Rail firm backs 'old fogey' music to deter vandals
NorthernRail firm Northern says playing "old fogey music" at dozens of its stations remains an effective way to deter troublemakers despite incidents of graffiti and fires.
Recent years have seen the company pipe out works it previously described as "inspired by Handel, Beethoven and Mozart" at certain times of the day.
But last month Jane Murray, area station manager for Cumbria and the Lakes line, told the BBC the tactic had not put off vandals at Maryport where there had also been damage to seating and flower planters.
A Northern spokesman said while it had decided to stop playing tracks at that station, it would continue to do so at 48 locations in the north of England.
Classical-style music being played over public address systems was initially trialled by the firm at nine stops.
It was then rolled out more widely with the company saying in 2024 it had led to a reduction in reports of large groups loitering and feedback from customers that they felt safer.
'Elevator' tunes
However, Murray warned Maryport was a "regular" target for troublemakers with "heartbreaking" damage caused to planters put in place by volunteers.
Bins inside shelters had also been set on fire or ripped out, she added.
In a statement, a Northern spokesman said playing music "has proved to be effective at stopping large groups of young people gathering at stations and causing a nuisance, especially the during school holidays".
"We have heard described it as 'old fogey music', 'funeral music' and 'elevator music' by those who used to loiter there.
"There are a small number of stations where it has not worked and we have decided to stop playing the music at Maryport where we are working with British Transport Police and the local community to tackle ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour."
The firm, which manages a total of 470 stations across the North of England, said other measures open to it could include the installation of new lighting, CCTV and other security features.
Staff also visit schools in areas where there have been a high number of incidents.
Railfuture, an independent organisation campaigning for better services for passengers and freight, told the BBC it supported the playing of music at stations if it was shown to be helpful.
Ian Walker, a committee member with the group's North East branch, said a package of measures should also include patrols and members of the public reporting incidents to authorities.