The ‘worst station in Scotland’
Youth gangs give Hamilton Central unwanted reputation
Hamilton Central Railway Station has been dubbed the worst in Scotland by its staff – who say they are terrified of teenage gangs.
As the Advertiser went to press last night (Wednesday) members of the RMT union were expected to protest at the station in a bid to get management to sit up and recognise the situation, which they described as “scandalous”.
Union members say there has been a surge in violence towards staff there – a situation which they say is being ignored despite repeated RMT warnings.
Members were expected to gather with banners, flags and publicity material highlighting an escalation in violence and anti-social behaviour over the past two years.
The Advertiser’s sister paper The Sunday Mail revealed in a report that staff had kept a diary showing recorded drinking, drug-taking, vandalism and abuse by loitering teens.
In the past four weeks, eight separate incidents were recorded.
One worker said they did not feel safe working at the worst place they had ever been based.
Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “It is truly appalling that rail workers have no option but to mount protests to force the rail operators and the Scottish Government to wake up and take action over the surge in violence at Hamilton Central and other points on the Scottish rail network
“This scandal has to stop before it’s too late and RMT expects those in control to take responsibility and act to protect our members out there in dangerous and vulnerable conditions.”
Mick Hogg, Scottish organiser of the RMT union, told The Sunday Mail: “I was at the station speaking to staff and it was like a warzone. There were more than 20 youths there.”
Hamilton, Stonehouse and Larkhall MSP Christina Mckelvie this week met with Mr Hogg about the situation.
She said: “Since the RMT informed me of the ongoing incidents, I have acted quickly to ensure both the safety of the public and also the safety of the workers at Hamilton Central.
“I have written to both the British Transport Police, Scotrail and the Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP, to ask for clarity on the situation.
“Resultant from my discussions with the RMT, I can reveal that I am looking to host an emergency summit with all stakeholders involved so we can collectively find a solution.
“Incidents such as these are wholly unacceptable. I look forward to working with the BTP, the RMT and members of the public, so we can root out this behaviour and make our station safe for all to use.”
A spokesperson for Scotrail said: “This is an ongoing issue that’s not restricted to the station and we’re working with police and South Lanarkshire Council to try to come to a solution. We’re investigating measures to stop kids loitering around the station as we don’t want our customers and staff inconvenienced or pestered by this behaviour.”
South Lanarkshire Council housing and technical resources executive director Daniel Lowe said: “We’re-committed to working with other agencies to try and reach a resolution.”
BTP Chief Inspector David Gray said: “We have a dedicated patrol plan, which sees officers regularly patrol this station and others on the same line.”