CCTV hailed for halting vandalism at rail stations

New CCTV cameras have helped to stamp out anti-social behaviour causing a blight at railways stations in south Shropshire, it was today claimed.

Cameras and see-through perspex waiting shelters installed at Craven Arms and Church Stretton railway stations have ended vandalism, according to local councillors.

Previously both stations had been plagued with incidents, including planters being broken, glass bottles being smashed on platforms and shelters being vandalised.

The CCTV cameras and shelters were installed last year.

Clive Leworthy, chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, said: "The CCTV is now up and running at the town's railway station and we have not had reports of any problems since. We have had no incidents reported to us by the police or local residents nearby and we are taking that as a good sign."

David Aston, secretary of Church Stretton Rail Users' Association, said: "We are not aware of any significant incidents at Church Stretton railway station since the CCTV has been set up. I think it has acted as a deterrent, along with the see-through shelters. "

A spokesman for Arriva Trains Wales said: "Arriva Trains Wales has been working closely with its partners to improve a number of stations in the Shropshire area through installation of CCTV and electronic customer information screens."