PRAM-PUSHING parents crossing live railway tracks in Blaenau Ffestiniog have been described as “utterly reprehensible” by shocked local police officers.

Following reports of vandalism, anti-social behaviour and people walking across the tracks in the Meirionnydd town, police have stepped up patrols in the area over the past few months.

As a result, we are currently in the process of identifying and dealing with known offenders.

However, with other issues now emerging, further action is being taken – including the closure of a gate to prevent people accessing the tracks.

Sergeant Gemma Jones said: “We have recently received some very worrying reports of people trespassing on the railway and committing mindless vandalism.

“Astonishingly, parents have even been seen crossing the tracks with prams.

“It goes without saying how incredibly dangerous this is and it is staggering that people are willing to risk everything by entering the railway – doing so with a baby in tow simply defies belief.

“Their behaviour is utterly reprehensible.

“Anyone who trespasses onto the railway is not only taking a huge gamble with their lives, they are also committing a criminal offence which may affect their employment or, even worse, see them imprisoned.”

Over the summer, police were deplored when it became apparent that criminals were using the train tracks to host barbecues.

Now, as a result of ongoing reports of trespass at the station, Network Rail has been forced to take immediate action.

Matthew Swidenbank, operations risk controller coordinator for Network Rail Wales, said: “Network Rail has had to close a gate at Blaenau Ffestiniog because of repeated incidents of trespassing, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

“People are putting their lives in danger and we are very worried that someone might seriously hurt themselves, which is why we are doing everything we can to reduce the number of incidents.”

Since the recent closure of the gate, the British Transport Police have been made aware that the lock has been vandalised.

An investigation has been launched and anyone identified as being involved will be prosecuted.

Sgt Jones added: “As well as reports of trespass, which is of grave concern, we have also been made aware of youths damaging display monitors and wrecking flower beds at the station which were planted by local schoolchildren.

“I can only imagine how heartbroken they must be to see their hard work ruined by a mindless minority.

“These people have shown a complete disregard for the residents who live nearby, the local community as a whole and, indeed, their own safety, and this type of behaviour has to stop.

“To effectively tackle the issues at Blaenau Ffestiniog, we need help from the public.

“I am convinced that many of the issues are under-reported, so I would like to appeal to people to please get in touch if they see or hear anything they think we should know about.

“You can talk to us in complete confidence and your information could prove vital in helping us restore a safe and pleasant environment at the station and surrounding areas.”

If you witness anti-social or criminal behaviour on trains or at stations, call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.