Charfield Parish Council has been made aware of proposals to divert footpath OCH8 where it crosses the railway and comes out at New Street.

blue = diversion, green = current

The proposal is based around the risks inherent in crossing four tracks – the diversion would reduce this to two. Network Rail state “You may be aware that at present the crossing traverses 4 railway lines which means in turn that it can take pedestrians a longer time than is desirable to get between the stiles. Although vegetation clearance has taken place the sighting of approaching trains, especially from the Eastern side, is limited because of the curvature of the line. By diverting the route of the path as indicated it will traverse the railway a little further to the North than now to a location where users will only have to cross two railway lines and where their sighting of trains will be improved meaning that they will be able to cross more quickly and with more warning time.”

There is a meeting later this month between Network Rail, Parish and County Councils, and if a feasible solution results then a Consultation will be made at which views can be expressed. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the Clerk.