A warning has been issued to ‘keep off the tracks’ at Midsomer Norton’s heritage railway after evidence of trespass and vandalism was discovered by volunteers.

Teenagers are thought to be using stretches of the Somerset and Dorset Railway to ‘hang out’ after drinks cans have been left scattered, a signal was ‘destroyed’ and a piece of wood was placed on a piece of track.

The warning comes as incidents are increasingly taking place now evenings are becoming lighter and due to the significant safety risks associated with playing on railway lines.

Matt Cornborough, chair of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Co Ltd., said: “In recent weeks we have seen evidence of people, presumed to be young people, trespassing on the railway and using it as an area to ‘hang out’ as judged by empty drink cans and various items that have been moved around or left on the tracks.

“While irritating this has not produced any concerns about operational safety. The bottom line is we do not want anyone to be hurt plus the fact that they are trespassing.”

People have been warned that trip and coming into contact with a piece of rail could cause serious injury.

Volunteers noticed a Banner Repeater signal was vandalised during a test run of a locomotive on Monday, April 14, which could have happened between then and the previous Wednesday (April 9).

It’s believed a fencing rod was used to “repeatedly” strike the signal, smashing the glass and causing extensive damage to the internals.

There have also been cases in recent years where people have been walking on the railway towards an oncoming train, which runs at a maximum speed of 10mph.

“Keep of the tracks, it isn’t as playground,” Matt added.

“It is deeply frustrating when things are destroyed in this fashion.”