POLICE and railway officials have launched a joint campaign to crackdown on trespassers on a popular heritage line.

This week, Durham Police joined forces with the Weardale Railway team to conduct an inspection of the line between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland.

Trespassing hotspots were identified and will now be given special attention by police officers as they make their patrols in the area.

They are also highlighting the dangers of walking on railway lines and are reminding people it is a criminal offence.

Evan Green Hughes, Weardale Railway’s head of operations, said: “People are often unaware that trespassing on a railway is a criminal offence for which they could receive a criminal conviction and a fine of up to £1,000.

“We have had particular issues with people who think they have a right to walk their dogs on the line, with tourists who think that railway lines are footpaths and with those who use the trackbed as a shortcut.

“There have been several near misses with people walking on the Weardale Railway and as a result trains have been fitted with forward-facing CCTV to capture the images of those who trespass.

“At best those people could end up with a criminal record and a fine but at worst they could end up being killed.”

Trespassing on the railway is one of the few instances where trespass is a criminal offence, rather than a civil matter. On Tuesday a 51-year-old woman was fined a total of £665 at Barnsley Magistrates Court after police prosecuted her for the offence.

The trespassing hotspots identified on the Weardale line include next to the footpath to the west of Stanhope station, the line to the east of Frosterley and the area near to the river bridge at Wolsingham.

PCSO Tim Gilks said trespassing incidents were more common during the summer holidays and reiterated the dangers of walking or playing near the heritage line even on days when it is not in use.

“Stanhope Neighbourhood Police Team are very happy to support Weardale Railway in their efforts to maintain safety and keep trespassers off the tracks,” he added.