Review on future of Shropshire's rail crossings
The future of three level crossings – including two in south Shropshire – is under review, it has been revealed.
Talks have taken place behind closed doors between officials from Network Rail and Shropshire Council to discuss the crossings on the Cardiff to Manchester line at Craven Arms and Marshbrook, near Church Stretton, which both lie close to the A49.
Harlescott level crossing in Shrewsbury – which is used by about 600 vehicles a day and links the town's new incinerator, a number of business and industrial parks and hundreds of homes – is also part of the review. Network Rail has said the talks have been held to discuss safety on the line in light of a predicted increase in rail traffic in the coming years. It said no decisions have been made, but admitted "all options" – including closure – remain on the table.
Richard Davies, who runs the Station Inn in Marshbrook, said he believed the village's crossing would be upgraded rather than closed.
Calls have previously been made for the crossing in Craven Arms on Long Lane to be replaced by a fly-over to help improve access for lorries to a nearby industrial estate.
It comes just days after campaigners in Ashford Bowdler, near Ludlow, were told plans to close their level crossing – which would have seen the village split in two – had been dropped.
Councillor Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South, said she was astonished to hear the possibility of closing the Harlescott crossing in Shrewsbury being seriously debated at a recent meeting.
"That crossing has about 600 vehicles going over it a day," she said.
Christine Booth, for Network Rail, said: "No decision has been made to upgrade, downgrade or close these crossings and we will continue to work with the council and other stakeholders to ensure we do what is in the best interests of the area."
