Opposition builds against ‘dangerous’ plan to close railway crossing

Westbury town councillors have pledged to oppose plans to close the pedestrian railway crossing at Penleigh Park. 

Earlier this month, signs appeared near the crossing outlining Network Rail’s intention to close the access, warning that “there is now a serious risk of fatality if the level crossing is not closed. Network Rail is also aware of misuse of the crossing.” 

The crossing provides a well-used route to local schools, nurseries, community projects and Penleigh Park, but safety concerns have been raised over the years. 

Network Rail’s application suggests that pedestrians use an alternative route via Oldfield Road, Bridge Court, Station Road and Amazon Way — a 1km diversion — in the event of the crossing’s closure. 

At a meeting of Westbury Town Council’s highways, planning and development committee on Monday 16th June, the proposed diversion was described as “dangerous.” 

Narrow pavements

Local resident Tina Deveraux said the route isn’t accessible for everyone due to narrow pavements and areas prone to flooding. 

She told the meeting, “It’s more dangerous to send people around the 1km track than it is to have them cross the railway. Without that rail crossing, you separate the town of Westbury. I’m concerned what this could do to our community.” 

Another resident said, “I believe that Network Rail did this in response to a fatal incident in Pewsey. I drove up to Pewsey and felt their crossing was of a lower grade safety-wise than the one here. 

“In Westbury, our railway crossing has a traffic light system, an audible alarm and a train driver can sound a klaxon if needed.” 

Town councillor Phil Harcourt told residents, “Your voices are heard. You are casting seeds on very fertile ground.” 

Cllr Gordon King added, “There is no history of problems at the site, people get across the crossing perfectly fine as it is. We should challenge this.” 

Formal objection

Mayor Jane Russ proposed that a working group be formed to prepare a formal objection to Network Rail’s closure plans. The proposal was unanimously supported by fellow councillors. 

A Network Rail spokesperson said, “We recently applied to close Penleigh Park level crossing in Westbury. Closing this level crossing would enhance safety for everyone owing to its location, as well as reduce the risk of trespass incidents.” 

As part of the consultation process, Wiltshire Council is welcoming responses from the public on the proposals before 10th July, either by email to ali.roberts@wiltshire.gov.uk or by post to: 

Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. 

Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said, “Anyone with any comments or concerns about this proposal should send them to us and they will be considered as part of the process.”