10:43am Thursday 7th June 2012
A RAILWAY station has been vandalised just days after a £400,000 revamp.
Four windows were smashed on the new shelter of Darwen station’s Manchester-bound platform leaving glass all over the floor.
It is the third time in recent weeks vandals have hit key Darwen landmarks follwing major investment.
A fitness and play facility, the AdiZone, built at Darwen Valley Community Centre, Sudellside Street, was wrecked before it opened last month, and Darwen Tower’s new dome was vandalised days after being replaced in March.
Work on the station, as well as new shelters on both platforms, included improved access, electronic information screens and CCTV, resurfaced platforms with new signage, information boards and fencing, while areas around the station were landscaped to provide a more appealing entrance.
Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “What can you say? This is just disgusting.
“It has gone beyond a joke. These people do not care about all the good things we are doing for Darwen.
“These people must be sick.”
Fellow Sudell councillor Roy Davies said: “It doesn’t surprise me.
“Everything in Darwen gets thrown back in your face, no matter what you try to do.
“It is frustrating, especially when you are talking about thousands of pounds being spent.
“Money is being poured into Darwen and we are not getting a return on it.”
Coun Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “A lot of hard work went into making the renovations to the station to make it more attractive for travellers.
“This is disappointing news to say the least. It is always shocking to see mindless acts of vandalism but this, coming not two weeks since the refurbishment was completed, is a real kick in the teeth.
“I would advise all people visiting the station to be vigilant. If you see any vandalism please report it to the Police.
“We want to stamp this behaviour out so passengers can use these facilities the way they were intended.”
Northern Rail had to fork out for the replacement windows, thought to cost in the region of £1,000.
Craig Harrop, from the firm, said: “It is disheartening to see this sort of mindless vandalism at Darwen, which recently benefited from a £400,000 refurbishment scheme.
“We hope to have the damage repaired as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, we will be looking closely at the recently installed CCTV and will also be speaking with the British Transport Police.”
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said officers spotted the damage while on patrol on Tuesday.
It is being treated as criminal damage and an investigation is under way.
Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040.
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