Residents and MP to meet Network Rail over level crossing danger

Smithy Bridge level crossing

Members of the public are set to meet with senior figures from Network Rail this Friday to discuss the continued problems caused by an unmanned level crossing at Smithy Bridge.

Simon Danczuk MP called for the meeting as a result of widespread public anger at the signaling problems caused by the new automated system. With trains travelling through Smithy Bridge station without safety barriers in place there is now a growing sense that this is an accident waiting to happen.

“Network Rail have handled this very poorly,” Mr Danczuk said. “They are one of the worst agencies I’ve dealt with as an MP and the public quite rightly want answers as continual signaling problems are causing traffic jams and safety worries. It’s no wonder that 1,200 people have signed a petition calling for a manned crossing. The current system isn’t working and we will be pressing for immediate improvements."

Carran O’Grady, who helped to start the petition along with local residents Deborah Mallon and Wendy Clegg, said: “The level crossing is not safe. We want reassurances that it is going to be made safe.”

Residents within the area are concerned that trains have travelled through Smithy Bridge station without the safety barriers being in place since the manned system was abolished.

Carran added: “I have been driving and have seen the trains go through when the barrier is up. The lights were flashing so I understand that something is going on but my children don’t understand that. It is an accident waiting to happen.”

A number of traffic jams have also been caused due to the barriers failing to return to the upright position. “When the barriers jam, our community is stuck. No one can get through. Ambulances can’t get through. We are just stuck for a number of hours,” said Carran.

The meeting will take place at Smithy Bridge Methodist Church on Friday 4 April at 6.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.