"Railtrack must inspect the Borough's bridges urgently" MP calls for urgent inspections after resident’s near miss with failing debris. Local Lib Dem MP, Edward Davey, has called on Railtrack to inspect the Borough’s bridges after a resident reported almost being hit by failing debris. At the beginning of the year, Edward Davey MP reported problems with overhanging debris, water leaks and pigeon droppings at and under the Railway Bridge on the Brighton Road in Surbiton and work was carried out. He received assurances that the area would be inspected. However, a resident earlier this week reported that they had almost been hit by a two pound iron pin from the railway track which fell through the bridge floor. The Surbiton resident, who was clearly shocked by the incident, brought the pin to Edward Davey’s office to show him. As a result, Mr Davey contacted the emergency fault line and Railtrack’s Zone Director pressing for an urgent inspection of the site and for safety checks to be made at all other bridges in the Borough. Commenting on the incident, Edward Davey said, "This situation is simply not good enough. If this iron pin had hit someone it could have killed them or caused a serious injury. "I have contacted Railtrack’s emergency lines and the Director’s office to make them aware of my concerns and to press for urgent safety checks. They have given me an assurance that the Railway Bridge on the Brighton Road and the track has now been checked and passed as safe. "Railtrack must take every precaution that this type of incident does not happen again and I have asked them to check other bridges and track in the Borough to ensure they are safe as well." A copy of the fax to Railtrack’s Zone Director asking for safety checks to be carried out. Michael Holden By Fax April 2001 Failing Debris from the Railway Bridge in Brighton Road, Surbiton. Further to my calls to your emergency line this week concerning the above problem, I would like to clarify further concerns I have in relation to this incident. In February 2001, my office initially contacted your emergency fault line to report wooden planks overhanging from this bridge. My staff were assured that prompt action would be taken. Unfortunately, I had to report a further incident this week at the very same bridge. I am sure you will be very concerned to learn that a constituent came to my office on Wednesday to report that they had been only narrowly been missed by a two pound iron pin which fell from the same bridge. Clearly this potentially serious danger is completely unacceptable. I welcome the fact that you staff have now investigated this area. However, I would like your assurance that this bridge and all the other bridges in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames are safe for pedestrians and passing traffic to use. To ensure this is the case, I would appreciate it if you would ensure that they are all checked as a matter of routine. I look forward to receiving your response shortly. Yours sincerely
Edward Davey MP |
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