EMR to install new CCTV at four stations

Security is being improved at East Midlands Railway (EMR) stations as the rail operator puts in place £120,000 worth of CCTV across its network.

Stations at Alsager, Belper, Matlock Bath and Willington will get new camera systems installed by Spring.

EMR said it has worked alongside station adoption teams and local community groups to decide what areas at each station need camera coverage. This will, the operator says, help address any anti-social behaviour, vandalism and graffiti, as well as give reassurance to customers.

This new CCTV initiative is part of EMR’s Stations Social and Commercial Development Plan, which enables station adoption teams and local community groups to highlight, promote and suggest improvements to stations. The train operator at Willington Station, CrossCountry, has also contributed £15,000 towards the project.

Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, chair of the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership, said: “It is important to take rail users’ security very seriously, so I am pleased to see this project completed which should help safeguard them and their possessions while they use the stations.

“The message is clear. If you are intending to commit a crime at a railway station, the CCTV will provide very clear footage that will help to identify and prosecute you. Hopefully, this additional security will provide passengers with more confidence using the stations and complement the efforts of our station adoption groups, who take great pride to make their stations welcoming and attractive environments for both local residents and visitors to the area.”

Lisa Angus, transition and projects director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We work closely with our station adoption teams and local people across our network to fully understand the issues at their local station and address areas of concerns.

“Many of these stations are gateways to communities, and quite rightly, people are very proud of their appearance. We hope these new CCTV cameras will help to cut down anti-social behaviour, graffiti and vandalism and help customers feel reassured when they use the station.”

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