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Residents win fight for barbed wire fence to be removed from Teddington station

Residents have won the fight against an unsightly fence at Teddington station.

Earlier this year iron railings were removed to make way for a wire mesh and barbed wire fence by Network Rail - without discussions with residents or Richmond Council.

Network Rail confirmed this week it has changed its plans for the site, to the delight of residents.

Sheena Harold, of the Teddington Society, said: “Local people have really had their views heard. It’s great to get such a good result.

“It was a very shortsighted decision by someone.

“The new fence will be in keeping with the area.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “During the recent meeting with members of the community we clarified why the old fencing needed replacing and explained the industry-recognised risk assessment which was used to identify the type of replacement fencing required for us to run a safe and reliable railway.

“As the original work on the fencing line was not fully completed and therefore left a mix of fencing styles in the area around the station, we have taken the decision to carry out further work to provide a consistent look to the boundary.

“We outlined our revised plans and are waiting for any further feedback from community representatives before proceeding.”

He explained the firm had offered to install 5ft blue fencing on the Station Road side of the station, remove the barbed wire and plant saplings in the area. The work will also include new fencing around an electricity sub-station.

Vince cable, MP for Twickenham, said: “Network Rail have made a mess of this project. I am pleased that after our meeting they agreed to remove the ugly fencing and return to more tasteful railings.

“I am hoping that after the intervention of senior managers, councillors, residents and myself, we can close the door on this unhappy episode.”

Councillor Martin Elengorn, who represents Teddington on Richmond Council, said: “It took the presence of a cabinet minister to persuade Network Rail to make concessions and they are still reluctant to concede the principle of consulting the council on works they carry out.”


Comments (4)

03/07/10

Phillip Taylor says...

I notice that former MP Susan Kramer was unable to do anything about the horrible fence at Richmond Station which remains an unsightly welcome for visitors to this borough.

And Cllr Elengorn is pulling the wool over peoples' eyes if he seriously thinks St Vince has so much clout- he (Martin Elengorn) should take all the credit for himself as one of the ward councillors...after all that's what the Liberals always do anyway!

However, I am glad some common sense has been shown in Teddington. I suppose it is too much to ask for the Richmond Station Manager to follow suit and get rid of the mess here in Richmond? After all, they won't put Oyster readers in the station because it is run by SW Trains so they will ignore half the travelling public as they do with the Tube users. Typical!

Phillip Taylor

05/07/10

Julie Hill says...

Incredible how shadow councillor and ex cabinet member Martin Elengorn is trying to claim the credit for this.

Brian Holder of The Teddington Society, take a bow. Everyone knows the victory is down to you.

06/07/10

Scott Naylor says...

May I congratulate Brian Holder of the Teddington Society, Conservative Councillor and Cabinet Member for the Environment Virginia Morris along with council officers for helping focus Network Rail's attention, and our MP Vince Cable for turning out at the right point too.

Teddington Society have done and continues to do a huge amount of work in the community in Teddington and across te Twixckenham side of the river, also supporting other areas where best practice expertise is required to hold the council officers and various transport officers to account, and also to stop the Lib Dems from claiming everything to be their own, when it has clearly been the local community which made the running, challenge, coordination, and the final winner, supported by the new Conservative community-focussed listening council.

Additionally Teddington Society continues to support local communities, and be a very active member of RUG, helping bring through long lists of ideas which will assist the new Conservative administration to become more efficient and accountable, something I am sure all sides of the community whatever their political persuasion will welcome.

14/07/10

ChrisSquire says...

• Update: Network Rail have written to Vince Cable confirming that the chain link fencing along Station Road will be replaced with 5’ railings, the barbed wire on the rest of the chain link fence will go, the fence round the substation will be repaired and hawthorn saplings will be planted along the fences. Vince is continuing to press Network rail and South West Rains to refurbish the two footbridges.