Rail chiefs told: ‘Clean up our iconic viaduct’
COUNCIL BOSS DEMANDS TRANSPORT GIANT TAKES ACTION OVER LIMESTONE STAINS AND GRAFFITI ON STRUCTURE
LEGAL action could be taken against transport giant Network Rail over the state of one of Stockport’s most iconic structures.
Stockport Viaduct, which carries trains into the town’s main station, is covered in limestone stains and graffiti.
Town hall boss Philip Harding said he has been asking for the structure to be cleaned for six months, but says Network Rail is yet to take any action.
As rain falls on the 27-arch viaduct and hits the limestone under the tracks, water runs down the side, leaving the brickwork stained.
Coun Harding now wants the council to serve a section 215 notice, as part of the Town and Country Planning Act, on Network Rail, giving bosses 12 months to sort the problem.
He told a town hall committee meeting: “Stockport Viaduct is an iconic structure that we all see.
“Not only has it got limestone staining on it, it has a substantial amount of graffiti, which I have been trying to get removed for over six months.
“Nothing has happened. It is the responsibility of Network Rail not taking action and getting the graffiti removed when asked by the local authority. I certainly want this notice to be served on them in the next month.”
The meeting passed a resolution by Coun Harding to ask the council to serve the notice on Network Rail.
Should such a notice not be complied with, an individual or organisation is liable for a summary conviction and fine of up to £1,000.
The viaduct has stood astride Stockport town centre since its completion in 1840.
It was designed by George Watson Buck, is 111ft tall and a Grade IIlisted structure.
The meeting heard the limestone staining is caused by poor drainage on the viaduct. Coun Harding added: “It will give them 12 months to work out a scheme, we can’t have regeneration in Stockport town centre and have a major listed structure looking like it currently does.” A Network Rail spokesman said: “We continue to carry out regular maintenance on the Stockport Viaduct, with vegetation clearance carried out on the structure in June last year. “There are currently no significant improvement works planned, and further reactive work will carried out based on the severity of the issue. “As well as this ongoing maintenance, we are also happy to work with any third parties who may have aspirations to fund further improvements.”
Not only has it got limestone staining on it, it also has a substantial amount of graffiti Philip Harding on Stockport Viaduct