REPAIRS to a section of damaged fence next to a railway line have not been carried out - three months after it was first reported.

Now local people are concerned that with the impending school holidays, action is needed to prevent a tragedy.

The 6ft fence lies in front of a 20ft drop on to the Darlington to Bishop Auckland line, in Dale Road, Shildon.

Dorothy Bowman, labour councillor for Shildon East, said: "The problem was brought to my attention by a passer-by and I contacted the rail company who own the area three months ago, but nothing has been done yet.

"With the school holidays coming up, we should be extra vigilant with issues like this because children hang about and there is a 20ft open drop on to the line.

"It is also dangerous for vehicles as if they crashed they would end up straight on the line with nothing to protect them.

"I hope it gets sorted out as soon as possible before a nasty accident occurs."

A mother-of-two from Dale Road, who asked not to be named, said: "I am a mother with young children and know how curious children can get near railways, so I hope new fencing is installed as soon as possible to maximise safety and I know other residents who agree."

A spokesperson from Network Rail said: "Our priority is rail safety and we will be assessing the area and installing new fencing as soon as possible.

"Safety will always be at the forefront of everything we do and we work constantly to improve the railway to make it safer."

The Northern Echo launched its No Messin' campaign, run in conjunction with Network Rail, in 2005, to alert youngsters and their parents to the dangers of playing near railways.

Nationally, up to 60 people are killed and thousands injured every year, either crossing the tracks or taking shortcuts.

British Transport Police safety officer Steve Wareing said: "We are often called to incidents involving people who have trespassed on railways and the consequences can be fatal.

"Trains reach extremely high speeds and trespassing at any time of the day can prove fatal."