Bramley Parish Council Initial Response to Network Rail

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Parent Category: Local News

Category: News from around the Parish

Created on Thursday, 13 October 2016 16:31

Last Updated on Thursday, 13 October 2016 15:32

Published on Thursday, 13 October 2016 15:31

Written by Parish Clerk

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Following on from the initial Notification from Network Rail regarding the possible closure of the crossing at Bramley Railway station, the Parish Council has held a number of public meetings to discuss a response to Network Rail.  Details of the Parish Council meetings can be found within the Parish Council Minutes section.  (Please remember there is often a slight delay in the latest minutes being posted as these usually have to be signed off at the next available Parish Council meeting but where possible, we do endeavour to upload draft versions of documents).

Attached at the end of this article you will find a PDF copy of the letter sent to Network Rail but a summary of the letter can be found below:

This is an excerpt of the initial response sent to Stuart Kistruck, Acting Wessex Route Director, Network Rail. 

Dear Stuart 

Following your letter to Bramley Parish Council of 24^th July 2016, I can confirm that Bramley Parish Council have met to consider Network Rail’s early proposals for Bramley Level Crossing, and have had considerable input from residents in the Parish.  Outlined below are initial concerns and questions from both the Parish Council and from residents. 

• Great concern at how local services will be affected – the school, the Village Hall, Doctor’s surgery, local shops and business, etc.  Related to this is the impact on local business, which is likely to be severe.
• Access to east Bramley for emergency services from Basingstoke would be adversely affected by rail crossing closure.
• Bus services will be affected – how will those without cars get to hospital appointments, shops, etc?
• Closure of the crossing will divide the community, and will particularly affect mobility disabled people.  A pedestrian bridge would be very difficult for mobility disabled people – there would need to be some kind of lift or a shallow ramp.  Any bridge intended for pedestrian use must be supportive of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), as the bridge will be such a critical point for connection between east and west Bramley.  An underpass would be the only acceptable solution for pedestrian traffic.
• Some residents were concerned that the station may also close.  Are there any plans to discontinue the passenger service at Bramley?
• The so called ‘rat run’ over the level crossing is actually the main road through the village, with half of the traffic being local.  Some residents felt that a road bridge seems to be the only sensible solution, which Network Rail should fund. 
• Concerns about the increase in rail traffic and how this will affect houses near the railway line.
• There are three possible options for traffic – a bypass, a road tunnel, or a road bridge.  The consequences for the entire village should be looked at very carefully in each instance.  Further to this, the level crossing should not be closed until the necessary infrastructure is in place.

• There is NO evidence to show that the current level crossing is a high risk installation as it as it is a fully controlled level crossing.  Electrification of the line and the subsequent increase in rail traffic is much more a contributory factor for wanting to close it.
• Concern was expressed about the speed of the process involved. 

In summary, closure of the level crossing would have an enormous impact on Bramley Village, its residents, and the surrounding parishes.  The Parish Council trust that Network Rail will liaise and consult closely with all the relevant authorities before reaching a decision.  

The Parish Council are keen to speak with representatives from Network Rail, but thus far have had difficulty in making contact.