Rail line clean up volunteers left ‘bitterly disappointed’ after thefts

A committed team of volunteers who are helping to clear a long-neglected old railway line in Deepdale and Ribbleton have been left frustrated after having equipment stolen.

Led by Andrew Pratt the former Deepdale to Longridge railway line is being cleared in the hope of seeing it either being used as a test tram track or a new footpath and cycle way in the years to come.

Mountains of rubbish and litter have been shifted and vegetation cut back to bring the former route back into a place where the community can maybe set foot once again.

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But over the weekend Andrew said the whole team have been left ‘bitterly disappointed’ by the thefts.

He said: “Between Friday and Sunday someone has come onto the old rail line illegally and stolen items from the work we have been doing at the Skeffington railway gate crossing.

“We have been planting flowers and shrubs to create an inviting and pleasing area – instead of the mountains of rubbish which were there.

“The whole team are bitterly disappointed. The plants/shrubs were improving the area for everyone.”

Items taken include tools, wheelbarrow, a wooden planter and more than 50 plants which were donated by garden centres.

Andrew, who is a former deputy police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, said he had been disappointed with the response from Lancashire Police.

He said: “I’ve had one email saying they were closing the case as there were no further lines of enquiry.

“They could have at least said the PCSOs who regularly walk the area will keep an eye out for any activity on the line and area.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed they were investigating a report of theft. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 1664 of 28th June.

Mr Pratt says he is also conducting his own investigation and urged anyone with information to contact him on andrewpratt1@btinternet.com