A commuter train has been damaged after vandals threw cast-iron grating on the track at Brookmans Park.

There were no injuries but passengers were left trapped in the carriages after the train's brakes locked just outside the station.

Details of the incident, which happened in recent weeks, have only just come to light.

According to Phil Heath, the area manager for Railtrack, with responsibility for the south end of the east coast mainline, the grating damaged the train’s brakes but the auto brakes kicked in giving the driver stopping power.

After a lengthy delay, the train was eventually able to carry on to the next station where the passengers were able to get off.

Increased Patrols

Railtrack has been working to tackle vandalism at the station since it was reported, on this site, that large sections of iron drainage grating had been ripped up and thrown on the east-coast mainline.

The North Mymms Residents’ Association had warned that unless something was done, lives could be lost.

The company visited the station immediately and secured all the grating with plastic ties. However there is evidence that some of those ties have been cut and removed.

E-mail Railtrack

Phil Heath had already stepped up patrols in the area but since this latest incident he says the station is now being inspected two or three times a day – mainly in the evening with staff carrying out thorough checks of the station and surrounding area.

Mr Heath says he is willing to reply to anyone who raises concerns about vandalism or the rail service in general.  

The Brookmans Park Newsletter has set up an e-mail address for Mr Heath so that people can contact him directy. 

The address is railtrack@brookmans.com

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