Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, has backed calls to reopen the England Springs Level Crossing, which was closed in December 2022 without prior notice.
Network Rail has closed the popular pedestrian crossing, used by over 100 people on an average day.
Minster and Woodmansey Ward councillors Kerri Harold and David Elvidge have been communicating to East Riding of Yorkshire Council and beyond the views of residents who are upset at the closure, including arranging a meeting with Network Rail to challenge the decision.
Mr Stuart is asking residents to fill in his survey, at grahamstuart.com/englandsprings, to let him know how they use the crossing.
He also held a public meeting at the site on Saturday (4th February) for residents to have their say about Network Rail’s closure
The MP, alongside Sue Crowther and members of the Open England Springs Rail Crossing Facebook group, favours the installation of traffic lights with sound to allow people to cross safely.
Network Rail, in response to a letter from Mr Stuart, has stated that the crossing, which is on a straight stretch of track and with only a gate to control pedestrians, is too dangerous due to construction works nearby potentially distracting pedestrian crossers.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Network Rail have revealed that their preferred option for the crossing is to build a bridge, which has reportedly been approved by the council at a cost of £10 million.
The closure of the crossing, without notice, was in contravention of National Rail’s Level Crossing closure strategy, which states that a consultation must take place.
“Yorkshire used to be a byword for common sense, but I don’t see much of it going on at England Springs at the moment,” said Mr Stuart.
“This crossing shouldn’t have been closed without notice and this crossing shouldn’t be closed indefinitely.
“I’m working with campaigners, Minster and Woodmansey Ward Councillors, Network Rail and East Riding of Yorkshire Council to make sure people can cross this route as before as quickly as possible.”
Sue Crowther of the Open England Springs Facebook Group, added: “This is a nonsense and only hurts people who are trying to get to work, take their kids to school or get to the shops.
“We can cross a crossing without being distracted by a building site, and so many people depend on this crossing for their daily routine.
“Please, if you use this crossing, join our group, fill in the MP’s survey and write to your councillors.”
Kerri Harold, Minster and Woodmansey Councillor said, “We are committed to thrashing out the best deal on the England Springs crossing.
“After our meeting with Network Rail, we need to make decisions as a council to ensure we get the best outcome for everyone in Minster and Woodmansey.”
