Vince Cable

The government (Department of Transport) has accredited Whitton and Strawberry Hill with 'secure station' status and MP Vincent Cable awarded the certificates to the station masters this week.

'Secure Station' status means that the station meets standards of maintenance. The government has been widely criticised for the slow pace of reaching the necessary standard but several local stations now qualify.

Vincent Cable said: "security is a big issue especially for people travelling in the late evening, for whom empty or dark station platforms are threatening. Graffiti and other vandalism is also a big issue. But the staff at both Whitton and Strawberry Hill have made a real effort to keep their stations in good shape. The CCTV cameras have also done a lot to curb vandalism".