A LEVEL crossing in Malvern has undergone works to make it safer following a string of incidents involving the deliberate misuse of the site and instances of anti-social behaviour.
Jamaica Road level crossing, a public footpath in Malvern on the line between Hereford and Worcester, had become a hotspot for young people to gather with litter and evidence of drugs and alcohol misuse regularly found.
Covert camera surveillance between May and June 2024 revealed seven separate incidents of youths gathering under the crossing steps and committing anti-social behaviour.
Concerned for safety at the crossing, Network Rail teams improved the area by clearing up the litter and waste and fencing off the underside of the stairs to restrict access.
Subsequent camera surveillance between April and May 2025 recorded only one incident.
Alexandra France, Network Rail level crossing manager, said: “The safety of our passengers and the public is our top priority.
“We were seeing some frightening behaviour at this crossing which was extremely dangerous as there could be trains coming through that would not be able to stop in time.
“The railway is not a place to ‘hang out’ and I’m pleased our recent work seems to be deterring this behaviour and making the crossing safer to use.”
Following the works, Network Rail have issued guidance to those using the level crossing to ensure people are kept safe.
Visit www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/ for more information.
