A GRAFFITI hit squad which will target tags and vandalism on the railway has been launched in the West Midlands.
Network Rail and West Midlands Rail Executive are investing more than £700,000 to clean-up lines, bridges and all things railway-related to improve the look and feel of tracksides for passengers and communities.
The clean-up work started this month and is already helping to make the railway more welcoming for passengers as they return to travelling by train following the pandemic.
The graffiti blitz will also help to make sure the railway is ready for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Allun Edge, maintenance protection coordinator at Network Rail, said: “The railway is a regular target for graffiti but we are determined to tackle it and give the best impression to passengers, local communities and the worldwide audience which will be watching us during the Commonwealth Games next year.
“Removing graffiti is an ongoing battle but we know the majority of people hate it as much as we do. Trespassing on the railway to do it can also have fatal consequences and it’s simply not worth risking your life to spray a wall with a tag.”