Seaham train station to play classical music in bid to deter antisocial behaviour

Classical music is set to be piped into four stations in the North East to help combat anti-social behaviour. 

The latest stations - Seaham, Nunthorpe, Seaton Carew and Stockton and - follow the success of the tactic at other stations on the Northern network. 

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

It followed a pilot scheme at nine other stations in the North of England, which bosses say saw a significant reduction in the number of loitering, graffiti and vandalism-related incidents during the trial. 

The project was then rolled out to 23 stations earlier this year.

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern, said: “We are pleased this scheme is making such a difference to our customers across the network. 

“Antisocial 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.” 

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. 

On Sunday 21 May, Northern’s new summer timetable came 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: www.northernrailway.co.uk/timetablechange

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.