Train operator, Northern, is set to pipe classical music inspired by Handel, Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky into 23 stations across its network as part of measures to deter anti-social behaviour.  

The plans to add music comes following a pilot scheme conducted at nine stations across the North of England in the past twelve months which saw a significant reduction in the number of loitering, graffiti, and vandalism-related incidents during the trial.

Music will only be played at certain times of the day, which will vary from station to station to have the best impact on behaviour.

Mark Powles, customer and commercial director, at Northern, said: “Anti-social behaviour is a nuisance in its lightest form and nothing short of a criminal act at its worst.

"Unfortunately, railway stations - like many other public areas - can attract this sort of mindless behaviour – which is unfair and unsettling to our customers. 

“The classical music trials proved very interesting – and the results speak for themselves.

"We’ll now begin work on a roll-out programme across 23 targeted stations to spread that success far and wide.” 

Anyone can report anti-social behaviour on the rail network by contacting British Transport Police via text message on 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

On Sunday 21 May, Northern’s new summer timetable comes into effect and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on the same train times, are advised to check before they travel. For more information, visit: www.northernrailway.co.uk/timetablechange