The old track bed of the former Longridge line which used to run North East out of Preston is once again the subject of fly tipping and anti social behaviour.

Back in 2022 Network Rail announced they were going to tackle the problem using covert tactics while working alongside the British Transport Police (BTP).

This time Network Rail will be joining forces with local community groups who will clean up the most notorious area of the former railway line most susceptible to fly tipping which is below Skeffington Road bridge near Deepdale.

Over the years many sofas, mattresses, bikes, along with several tonnes of rubbished have been thrown from the bridge on to the overgrown track bed below not just from individuals but from some businesses to, which have resulting in anger from the local residents that live close by who complain about the smell and the unkept appearance.

The work to tidy up the former railway line will take about a year to complete.

It will involve not just the removal of all the waste but also cutting back the vegetation to make it a more open space along with working with the wider community to prevent fly-tipping, which costs the taxpayer several millions of pounds a year and can land criminals with sever prosecutions and prison sentences.

“It has been heart breaking to see this old railway line being targeted by waste criminals. But now, thanks to the local community we have a plan to clear up the site so it can be used in a more positive way. Unsightly waste like this near Skeffington Road is a health and environmental hazard. Anyone who sees fly-tipping happening on the railway should immediately contact the British Transport Police.”

Ian Croucher, Lancashire maintenance protection coordinator from Network Rail