Harlow MP backs resident's rail safety campaign

A DEAF woman whose beloved pet dog was killed by a train has called on Network Rail to erect new safety fencing along a "dangerous" stretch of track running through Harlow Town Park.

Kim Herbert, of Altham Grove, lost ‘hearing dog’ Cassie in 2009 after it ran onto the line while the pair were out on a walk in Maymeads Marsh.

Harlow MP Rob Halfon has pledged his support for Kim Herbert's campaign

Shocked to discover that parts of the track between Harlow Town Station and the Templefields Industrial Estate did not appear to be fenced off, she has since launched a campaign and online petition calling for urgent safety improvements.

"This is a public place where our dogs and children play it is unacceptable to have railway lines with no safety fencing in a designated town park," she told the Star.

"But all Network Rail have been able to tell me is that they have "possible plans" for an "update of the fencing" – what fencing?

"They have even suggested that dogs should always be kept on leads in the park – maybe they think we should put leads on children too.

"I just hope it won't take the death or serious injury of a child to convince them that safety measures need to be improved."

Ms Herbert’s campaign has won the backing of both Harlow Council and Harlow MP Rob Halfon, while her online petition has already attracted hundreds of signatures.

Mr Halfon told the Star: "I congratulate Kim on her campaign and she can rest assured that I will be doing all I can to support her.

"I think it’s absolutely vital that Network Rail install suitable safety fencing along this stretch of track not only to protect people’s dogs but also to safeguard children from injury or worse."

A spokesperson for Network Rail claimed the "boundaries" – which can include vegetation - separating the railway line from the park were in "reasonable" condition, but admitted the firm was considering ways of making them more secure.

"We are sorry that a dog was killed on the track in Harlow and since the incident we have met with the owner and are now looking at ways of making the existing fence alongside the railway more secure," he told the Star.

"We encourage dog owners to keep their pets under full control when ever they are close to the railway in the same way they would if alongside a busy road."

To sign Ms Herbert’s petition, log on to www.petitiononline.co.uk and search for ‘Cassie’s Fence Petition’.