Crossed lines in Kent
A long used level crossing over a railway line in Shoreham, Kent has been successfully reopened thanks to the efforts of Ramblers volenteers and staff. The crossing was clossed without warning by Network Rail, who welded the gates shut desipte it being in use for over fifty years as part of a local network that provided convenient access from Shorne village to local routes, attractions andgreen spaces, including Shorne Marches. Eugene Suggett, senior policy officer at Ramblers, reports: ‘The crossing is back in use by locals ans vistore and the Ramblers are glad of their chance to collaborate with the parish council in restoring local acess to this stunning streach of coastal heritage’
Across the country, Network Rail has embarked on a massive proramme of rights of way leval crossing closures. In East Anglia alone, around 130 crossings are under threat. Ramblers volunteers areworking hard to object to the proposed closures, which are to be achieved using the provisions of the Transport and Works Act 1990, but are also seeking to engage with Networl Rail nationally to aguethe case for alternative safety measure, such as improvements to crossing approashes, gate and other barriers, and the provision of warning lights and alarms. ‘The closure of a pedestrian level crossing may mran that walkers are forced on to busy country roads with no footway where traffic poses dangers. When closure of a level crossing is being cosidered then the alternative route must be safe and convenient for all users ans as close to the originalcrossing as possible: deturs can sever communites and prove a major inconveience’ Says Janet Davis of the Ramblers.
Ramblers Autumn Walk Magazine 2016 - Page 19