London Councils And Network Rail Commit To Speedy Removal Of Rubbish And Graffiti

A pioneering agreement to speed up the removal of graffiti and rubbish from around the capital’s stations and railway lines has been struck between London Councils and Network Rail.

The Memorandum of Understanding will lead to a better working relationship between local authorities and Network Rail to enable a quicker response to Londoners’ complaints about litter and graffiti on land around the railways.

Both organisations have a duty to keep their land litter and graffiti free. However, local residents are often unaware who is responsible for cleaning up certain areas and will contact their local council to complain about unsightly mess – even if it is not on council land.

Due to the time it can take to encourage some private land owners to tackle issues like graffiti and litter local residents can often be left believing that no-one is taking their concerns seriously.

Under the Memorandum boroughs and Network Rail have agreed to:

• better coordinate their cleaning schedules in areas in and around stations and railway lines

• work together to seek long term solutions to preventing people from dumping rubbish or daubing station buildings with graffiti

• set time limits for removing graffiti or cleaning rubbish from sites from when a complaint is received

• work with other partners to educate people about the dangers and penalties of this type of antisocial behaviour

Chairman of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Mike Fisher, said: “Litter and graffiti have a huge impact on people’s quality of life. Not only does it make an area look run down but it can also be the catalyst for other forms of antisocial behaviour to take place.

“Boroughs are well aware that this sort of mindless action by some people is a huge concern for the majority of our local communities. However, it is something we cannot tackle alone and I am delighted that we have been able to strike this agreement with Network Rail.

“Instead of us working in isolation to tackle this problem we can have a stronger impact on improving people’s local areas by working in partnership.”

Derek Crook, Network Rail’s head of community relations, said: “We are committed to combating the scourge of graffiti and litter and this partnership approach across London will help us tackle this problem head-on.”

A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding can be found here

http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/committees/agenda.htm?pk_agenda_items=365

Topics: Britain, complaints, Governance, graffiti, litter, local councils, London, London Councils, Network Rail, railway lines, rubbish, transportation, UK, United Kingdom

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