POLICE presence is to be stepped up on the Cambrian Line following reports that train crews have been abused by passengers at Pwllheli station.

A report from the British Transport Police was presented to the Cambrian Coast Railway Conference this month which states that some reports have been received from train crews reporting abuse from passengers, particularly in relation to the time access is given to the train before departure from Pwllheli.

According to the British Transport Police, the volume of passengers on Fridays and Saturday nights have increased on the 8.12pm service since the opening of the J D Wetherspoon pub in the town.

The police stated in the report that in the run-up to the Christmas period they will be endeavouring to police as many of these trains involving anti-social behaviour as possible.

Following the conference, Dai Davies, British Transport Police’s sector inspector for north Wales, said: “Officers conduct regular, dedicated high-visibility patrols at the station and on train to and from Pwllheli, and this will intensify throughout the festive period.

“While the number of passengers using trains from Pwllheli has increased lately, there has been no subsequent impact on levels of anti-social behaviour or violence.

“Train companies work to strict timetables and passengers using the station at Pwllheli are now coming to terms with the need to be at the station in sufficient time to catch their train.

“People shouldn’t be concerned to see additional police officers on patrol over Christmas, which is traditionally an extremely busy time on the rail network. I’m sure our officers’ presence will be a reassuring sight for passengers and staff.

“While we want people to enjoy themselves – and we fully understand that at this time of year people will want to go out and celebrate – we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, drunkenness or any form of aggression towards rail staff or any other person using the rail network.

“Those that do overstep the mark can rest assured that we will not hesitate to take action against them.

“CCTV coverage across the north Wales rail network is well established, and in many cases this has proved to be an essential tool in bringing about successful prosecutions.

“Subsequently, the likelihood of any person involved in anti-social behaviour being detected is extremely high, with BTP having some of the highest detection rates in the country.

“Passengers and rail staff rightly expect a safe and secure rail network and we’ll continue working hard to carry on delivering a safer travelling environment for all.”

Anyone who does witness crime or anti-social behaviour on the rail network can contact BTP on freephone 0800 405040 or text 61016.