Classical music to tackle anti-social behaviour at Northern stations

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As part of measures to deter anti-social behaviour, Northern is set to pipe classical music inspired by Handel, Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky into 23 stations across its network.

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.

The plan follows a pilot scheme conducted at nine stations across the North of England over that past year, which saw a significant reduction in the number of loitering, graffiti and vandalism-related incidents during the trial.

“Anti-social behaviour is a nuisance in its lightest form and nothing short of a criminal act at its worst,” said Mark Powles, customer and commercial director, at Northern. “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 include: Beverley, Cottingham, Fitzwilliam, Haltwhistle, Levenshulme, Maryport, Newton for Hyde, Penistone, Sunderland, Ulverston, 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 0800 40 50 40.

Image credit: Northern

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