All local stations should be secure - Burstow

4.43.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 30th Oct 2006

Local MP Paul Burstow has welcomed news that Sutton, West Sutton and Sutton Common stations have achieved Secure Station status under a scheme run by the Department for Transport and the British Transport Police.

The Secure Stations Scheme accredits individual stations which have worked with the British Transport Police and other organisations to implement security measures and achieve minimum standards.

Mr Burstow questioned the Secretary of State for Transport to establish when Belmont, Cheam and Worcester Park stations will be undergoing the assessment process. He received notice that these stations will be assessed in coming months.

Commenting, Paul Burstow MP said:

"It is good news that Sutton, West Sutton and Sutton Common stations now achieve Secure Stations Status."

"However, I am concerned that three other local stations appear not to have achieved this status as yet. Station safety should be a high priority for all stations and I hope to see news that Belmont, Cheam and Worcester Park achieve Safer Stations Status soon."

Notes to Editors:

The Safer Stations Scheme has four accreditation criteria:

• the design of the station must conform to standards designed to prevent and reduce crime and improve passenger perceptions;

• the management of the station must enable the staff to take steps to prevent crimes and respond effectively;

• crime statistics for the station over the twelve months prior to the inspection must show that crime is being managed

• a survey of users must show that, on the whole, passengers feel secure when using the station.