Level crossing needs repairs

A level crossing on one of Shropshire's busiest roads has sunk after years of heavy goods traffic thundering over it - with urgent repairs needed to repair the damage.

A pothole has also appeared on the crossing along the A49 at Onibury, near Ludlow, and parish councillors believe tyres could burst if they hit sections of sharp and exposed metal there.

Network Rail officials are investigating the claims and members of Onibury Parish Council have called for a 10mph speed limit to be introduced and supported by flashing warning signs for motorists.

It is understood repairs could cost up to £25,000 and may involve sections of the railway line being closed while work is carried out.

The Shrewsbury to Hereford railway line crosses the road at Onibury on a diagonal and Ray Jeavons, a member of Onibury Parish Council, said: "There is a pothole on the level crossing and there are two sharp pieces of steel displaced by a couple of inches.

"It could blow a tyre, and it's a main trunk route and a very busy road.

"Network Rail have told us supporting beams have dipped due to the volume and weight of traffic using it, and it will be a more onerous job than a simple repair. They are have said it will cost around £25,000.

"In the interests of safety and long term preservation, there should be the introduction of an immediate 10mph speed limit over the crossing to reduce the hammer blow effect from vehicles passing over the defective area.

"It would also be good if the Highways Agency could erect automatic speed indicators, displaying 10mph."

Sheila Jeavons, parish clerk, said the council had been calling for speed restrictions at the crossing for many years.

She said: "The problem is caused by the angle the rail line goes over the road. I'm sure if Network Rail and the Highways Agency worked with each other they could come up with a solution."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said it had not yet been approached by any of the parties at this stage.

No-one from Network Rail was available for comment.

By Peter Kitchen