A COUNCILLOR is demanding to know why a fence surrounding a railway line has remained unrepaired despite assurances from rail bosses that it would be rebuilt.

Coun David Smith has campaigned for more than a year to try to have the fence surrounding the railway line in Higher Church Street and Joseph Street, Darwen, replaced after it was destroyed by vandals.

Janet Anderson MP even contacted Railtrack chairman Bob Horton in a bid to get them to take action after residents living close to the fence claimed it was being used as an escape route for burglars.

Last November Coun Smith received a letter from Railtrack saying the fence was to be replaced by January 19.

But he claims no work has been carried out and obstacles are being left on the line by youths who use it as a short cut.

He said: "This isn't good enough. We were told that the work would be carried out by now.

"A few weeks ago some kids left a car windscreen on the line and it was struck by a train.

"It is very dangerous and I don't know what we have to do to get this fence repaired."

A spokesman for Railtrack in Manchester said: "Railtrack's complaints manager will be looking into this matter with a view to remedying the situation."

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