Memorial becomes rubbish dump

The memorial garden overlooks the crash site

The Paddington rail crash memorial site is being used as a rubbish dump by fly-tippers, it has emerged.

The site overlooking the scene of the crash at Ladbroke Grove in west London is to be surrounded by railings to try to protect it.

The memorial was unveiled on 5 October 2001, exactly two years after the disaster in which 31 people died.

The 10-feet high monument bears the names of those who died.

Merrick Cockell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, which looks after the site, said: "It's a sorry state of affairs that we have to take steps to prevent fly-tipping on a memorial site.

The memorial will be protected by railings

"Experience suggests that the arrogance and insensitivity of fly-tippers should not be underestimated.

"We aim to thwart them and minimise their opportunities."

Solicitor Louise Christian, who represents many of the crash survivors and the families of those who died, said: "This dumping is very upsetting.

"The memorial is a beautiful thing and very important to the bereaved."

Both drivers were among the 31 people who died in the accident in which a Thames Trains commuter service went through a red light and crashed almost head-on with a London-bound Great Western express during the morning rush hour.