GREG BACKS NORMANS BAY RESIDENTS
09.10.13 for immediate release: Normans Bay MP, Greg Barker, is backing Norman’s Bay residents in their battle with Network Rail to prevent a change to the level crossing gates creating a brand new ‘rat run!’ Greg secured a meeting with senior Network Rail managers and representatives of the Normans Bay Residents’ Association on Monday 7 October at Normans Bay to discuss the proposal to install new barriers at the Havensmouth level crossing next to the station.
The Normans Bay Residents’ Association raised concerns with Greg about Network Rail’s proposal to replace the current manned level crossing to new lifting barriers which would be controlled by CCTV from their Rail Operating Centre at Three Bridges. Network Rail argue that a new lifting barrier will reduce the potential for safety risks occurring through misuse and will also be more reliable than the current arrangement.
However, Greg shares local residents’ concerns that Network Rail’s proposals may cause traffic to back up along the private single carriageway road in Normans Bay and risk traffic becoming stuck on the level crossing at peak times.
Residents are concerned that a new level crossing may encourage drivers to use the private road as a cut through to Pevensey Bay even though the road is totally unsuitable for this.
The residents, who know the crossing well, believe that the current plans could be dangerous as they do not allow drivers to have a clear over the crossing to see if their exit is clear. They also believe that pedestrians may not be properly protected from traffic. During the summer when the population of Normans Bay increases by 3,000-4,000 with holidaymakers, this could result in very some very serious safety issues.
As a result of the meeting Network Rail agreed to consider some alterations to their proposals to improve the safety aspects and committed to keeping the scheme under review to ensure that it worked effectively and safely.