Fears over rail thefts

A WATCHDOG dedicated to preserving Londonderry’s history, heritage and landscape has expressed ‘grave concern’ over a spate of theft and vandalism at the old Waterside railway station.

Dr Nuala McCallister Hart, Chairman of the Foyle Civic Trust, said the Trust was calling for an integrated approach from statutory agencies to ensure the iconic listed building was adequately protected.

By the end of this year the people of Londonderry will have been invited by Translink and ILEX to have their say on whether the old railway should be brought back into use.

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But now the Foyle Civic Trust has “expressed grave concern at the recent theft of lead from the roof of the former Railway Station.”

It has written to the relevant statutory agencies to ensure appropriate action is taken.

In a statement the Trust advised: “The Trust has written to Alex Attwood, the Minister for the Environment, also to the Chief Executive of Derry City Council and to the owner of the building, urging them to take steps to ensure that the building does not suffer further deterioration.

“Attention was drawn in particular to broken windows and the likelihood of water damage resulting from the theft of leadwork.”

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Dr McCallister Hart said the iconic building needs to be protected and its future secured.

“In view of the former Railway Station’s status as a listed and landmark Victorian building, the Trust is pressing for ‘joined-up’ thinking between Derry City Council and the Departments for the Environment and Regional Development to ensure that that this vulnerable former Railway Station is protected whilst its future use is secured,” the statement read.

Earlier this year Rail Minister Danny Kennedy revealed a joint Londonderry Railway Station Feasibility Study between Translink and ILEX is due for completion by the end of the year.

One of the options being considered is the refurbishment of the old railway station in the Waterside.

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Mr Kennedy warned, however, that there is no money for a new build or refurbishment in the current capital investment programme.

He stated: “As part of the study Translink will consider options to continue using the existing location, acquiring and re-using the old station building and also a new build option, including consideration of a site in close proximity to the Peace Bridge.”

He pointed out that the people can have their say if they want.

“It is Translink’s intention to hold a public consultation event in Londonderry as part of the decision-making process. The study is expected to be completed during 2012,” he stated.

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He added: “The study is being undertaken at this stage so that suitable steps can be taken to protect any identified preferred site taking account of the views of local stakeholders.

“It should be emphasised that there is no funding within the current capital programme for a station to be built or refurbished.”

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