COMMUNITY leaders on a Darlington estate fear children are trying to trespass on a railway line.

Youngsters have been caught on closed-circuit television cameras damaging a fence near the train tracks in Edgemoor Road, Firthmoor.

Peter Bowerbank, from Darlington Borough Council's CCTV team, said it appeared that the children were trying to get on to the line.

The same problem occurred last summer - though the vandals were not thought to have made it on to the track.

"We have had youths attempting to get on the railway line again," Mr Bowerbank told a community safety meeting on the estate. "The fence was damaged again and in the same place in Edgemoor Road."

Ward councillor Lee Vasey said the children's actions could have fatal consequences.

She said: "The worry is vulnerable children not knowing or realising the huge danger. It's what their actions could lead to that is a concern."

"Trains cannot stop. It doesn't matter what speed they are going."

Mr Bowerbank said: "The railings want fixing just to stop that access. It seems it is a known place for children to go to and attempt to climb through."

David Horsman, of Network Rail, said the company knew about the situation and had arranged repairs to the fence.

Sgt Mick Turnbull, of the British Transport Police in Darlington, said he was not aware of the problem but would now monitor the situation.

He said: "If the residents are saying it is going on then it obviously is.

"What Network Rail has done is put the security fencing along there. We have a partnership with them and if we see anything we will tell them so they can fix it."

The community safety meeting heard that CCTV cameras had also filmed youngsters climbing on to the roof of the new community centre, Maidendale House.

But Mr Bowerbank said the problem had been resolved because camera operators could flood the back of the building with light, scaring off the youngsters.

People who see anyone trespassing on the railway line should call 0800 405040.