THE train operator, Northern is set to pipe classical music inspired by:- Handel, Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky, into 23 Stations across its network as part of measures to deter anti-social behaviour.
  

The plan follows a pilot scheme, conducted at 9 Stations across the North of England, in the past 12 months (Billingham, Shildon, Heighington North Road, Orrell, Keighley, Hyde North, Ilkley and Newton Aycliffe) which saw a significant reduction in the number of loitering, graffiti and vandalism related incidents during the trial.
 

Music will only be played at certain times of the day, which will vary from station to station, to have the best impact on behaviour.
 

Mark Powles, customer and commercial director, at Northern, said:- “Anti-social behaviour is a nuisance in its lightest form and nothing short of a criminal act at its worst. Unfortunately, railway stations; like many other public areas; can attract this sort of mindless behaviour; which is unfair and unsettling to our customers. The classical music trials proved very interesting; and the results speak for themselves. We’ll now begin work on a roll out programme across 23 targeted stations to spread that success far and wide.” 
 

The 23 stations are:- Beverley, Birchwood, Brinnington, Bryn, Cottingham, Cross Gates, Fitzwilliam, Flimby, Halewood, Haltwhistle, Hattersley, Levenshulme, Lostock Gralam, Maryport, Mill Hill, Newton for Hyde, Penistone, Rainhill, Sowerby Bridge, Sunderland, Ulverston, Wetheral and Whiston.
 

Anyone can report anti social behaviour on the rail network by contacting British Transport Police via text message on:- '61016' or by calling:- 0800405040.
 

On Sunday, 21 May 2023, Northern’s new summer timetable comes into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check before they travel. For more information, visit:- NorthernRailway.Co.UK.