'Bridge needs to replace level crossing'

Lauren Everitt • Published 12 Mar 2010 12:00 0 Comments

PUTTING in a footbridge "would not be impossible", says Wokingham's council leader.

That was the message given by Cllr David Lee at a meeting of the Priest Avenue Residents' Association (PARA) on Monday night.

Concerned neighbours of the level crossing in Waterloo Road believe the crossing should be closed and a footbridge built to address safety issues.

The calls were renewed after the death of 58-year-old David Francis Brown, from Nine Mile Ride, who died on Saturday when the car he was driving and a train collided on the tracks at the crossing.

Cllr Lee said: "It would not seem to be an impossibility to close the crossing for all traffic but we would need to weigh it up with all other traffic impacts."

Paul Major, chairman of PARA, which neighbours the track, led the questioning of councillors at Wokingham Borough Council's chambers in Shute End.

He said: "The majority of residents believe the Waterloo Road crossing should be closed to all traffic and a footbridge should be provided.

"With what happened at the weekend it's quite pertinent."

The unmanned crossing on the busy Reading to London Waterloo line also claimed the life of a woman in 2008.

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for highways and transportation, said he would not comment on the weekend' accident because it is not clear what happened.

He said: "The closure of the crossing will be evaluated and if it is appropriate, based on safety, it will be closed."

As part of the council's core strategy, 1,500 new homes are proposed in the area and if plans are approved by central government, the crossing would be closed and replaced with a bridge.

Cllr Baker added: "There is a strong attraction in following the proposals but what we need is the support from the consultation and as much feedback as possible.

"Subject to getting the consultation feedback, I think the footbridge will be looked on positively."

Cllr Baker also said that the potential for accidents could never be eliminated at the site even if a bridge were to be installed.

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