Steam train driver hit with stone

[John Hunt]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....hit_with_stone

[reflector]

Not an uncommon occurrance I'm afraid. Trains on the Severn Valley Railway have been regular targets for stone throwers in the Foley Park area for some years.

Let's hope the police catch the culprit(s), and as has happened in the past with those throwing stones from motorway bridges, charge them with attempted murder which would get them put away for a long, long time.

[richard thompson]

Mindless morons. The driver is lucky to not injure himself far more severly than he was! Lets hope they do catch them and treat them seriously.
Richard

[Deathbyteacup]

I would suggest that the chances of them being caught are nil.

The problem lies in the fact they felt the need to throw the stone in the first place. There was a time when the sight of a steam locomotive was enough to make you smile - now you have to throw rocks at it to get a cheap buzz?

I hate to say it but I'm a member of a spoiled and undiciplined generation.

[jay]

At shildon nrm kids are always on the road bridge over the line, the way to clear them is to put a load of coal on, coast up to them then open up just as you pass!!!

yes or you could cut there bloody hands off so thay dont do it again

as a 14 year old train enthusiast,i think kids these days are chavs and have no respect for nobody,and hearing this story just put the icing on the cake for me,as its says in the bible 'an eye for an eye' so if i was the train driver when i come out of hospital that little chav who through the stone at me would have a brick in his face!!and have more respect!!
calum mclean,14

[pavorossi]

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/4252...stone_missile/

I've posted the above link as an update on the situation. The way I see it, it's an alarming twist in a long standing problem. We've had problems with stone throwing and trespass on this section for a long time, but it is the first time where the engine crew has been specifically targetted, and also the first time there's been a serious injury. But hopefully the board will allow us to keep running to Heywood, because otherwise we'll be letting the individuals who did this win.

[Deathbyteacup]

I would also voice my concerns quite loudly at closing down any part of the railway.

It would be allowing them to win, and would make me feel pretty sick. I for one would rather work to find a better solution than closure.

Perhaps a fund to provide improvements to the security to the line in this area, perhaps new, secure fencing and security pratrols, volunteer or otherwise? Even CCTV must be a possibility in some areas?

I for one would put money forward to a 'security' fund to provide better security for the area.

[pavorossi]

Originally Posted by Deathbyteacup

Perhaps a fund to provide improvements to the security to the line in this area, perhaps new, secure fencing and security pratrols, volunteer or otherwise? Even CCTV must be a possibility in some areas?

Thanks for the support Deathbyteacup. We are getting there with security improvements along the line. Most recently this has included much improved fencing in an area which was previously the scene of many incidents, but this seems to have only pushed the problem further along the line.

I'd also just like to let everyone know that when I was on the railway this weekend that I heard that the volunteer involved is how in a much better condition, but is still very shook up.