Press releases

A Brownies group from Bangor will receive a unique rail safety talk and get a chance to travel on a train with British Transport Police (BTP), who will be on hand to explain the perils of the railways.

Community safety coordinator, Bill Rogerson, is working closely with Brownie Guider Jackie Percival and Arriva Trains Wales to organise this special event, which will help the group obtain their safety badges.

Today (Wednesday 4 October) at 6pm at the Healthy Living Centre, Maesgeirchen, Bangor the Brownies will be given a presentation and be shown a video. Next week (Wednesday 11 October) the Brownies will be accompanying BTP and at first hand be explained the dangers of the railway environment as they travel from Bangor to Holyhead.

The educational opportunity has been supported by Arriva Trains Wales who will be dishing out goody bags during the journey.

Local Brownie guider, Jackie Percival, said:

It is very important to us to raise awareness to young people about how dangerous it is playing alongside the railway line. The Brownies can also help spread the message to their family and friends.

They are excited about meeting with BTP, especially travelling on a train from Bangor to Holyhead. We are all looking forward to it.

Ex police sergeant Bill Rogerson from BTP in Wales is familiar with the Bangor area. For over 30 years he helped patrol the railways and keep them safe across Mid and North Wales. During the last 12 months in his new role as a community safety coordinator, Bill has been liaising with schools and groups like the Brownies to educate about the hazards of the train infrastructure.

He said:

As the main Holyhead to Chester railway line runs through Maesgeirchen it is very important that the local children are taught all about the dangers of the railway, particularly as trains run at high speeds on this stretch of line.

I welcome any opportunity to talk about the dangers of the railway to any groups and I am particularly pleased that the local Brownie group has taken the initiative to invite British Transport Police for such a talk, which will assist them in obtaining their safety badge and learning all about the dangers of the railway.

I am very grateful to Arriva Trains Wales for their kind sponsorship of goody bags and for a travel pass for the Brownies to travel to Holyhead and return. It is a unique opportunity to emphasize the safety message. The children will appreciate how fast a train travels and other dangers associated with the railway which can be pointed out to them first hand.

Speaking at Bangor Station, Gwyn Hughes, for Arriva Trains Wales, said:

We're delighted to be supporting the Brownies' train trip between Bangor and Holyhead for the second year running. It's a good opportunity for the group to learn the important rail safety message, earn their safety badge and enjoy a day out. We look forward to welcoming the group on board.

British Transport Police can be contacted on Freephone 0800 405040.

Notes to editors

• For further information and interviews please contact Daljinder Mattu, Media and Marketing, BTP Wales and Western on 0121 654 2076.
• If you require a translated version of this media release, please contact the number above.
• If you would like to contact Brownie Guide Jackie Percival please ring 01248 372101.