Submission regarding Network Rail (Copmanthorpe No. 2 Level Crossing) (Land Acquisition and Closure) Order
April 23, 2023
Copmanthorpe’s rail crossing has been a heated topic of debate locally since National Rail announced that it was planning on replacing the existing level crossing deeming it to be too dangerous on that segment of railway.
The existing level crossing is proposed to be replaced with a stepped bridge. This follows an unsuccessful search for a new location for the level crossing. The proposed plan put forward by National Rail has been widely criticised on the basis of its lack of inclusivity and accessibility for people with mobility issues that intend to travel from Copmanthorpe to Bishopthorpe.
Julian has engaged constructively with all stakeholders, such as National Rail, constituents, and the Parish Council to ensure that we get an alternative crossing that has local support and a broad consensus. Additionally, he has recently written to the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP to outline his advocacy for a ramped aspect to be added to the bridge to ensure that this crossing is available to all members of the public who wish to use it.
As part of his submission to the submission, Julian said:
“Firstly I recognise that a stepped bridge is not suitable for members of the public who have mobility issues, require wheelchairs and those or have young children in prams therefore limiting accessibility and use of the crossing.
Secondly, with plans in the future to develop an active travel route connecting Bishopthorpe and Copmanthorpe that would have to cross the railway line, it seems rather short-sighted to not incorporate a ramped aspect of the bridge in these initial plans rather than having to incur further cost and disruption in the future”.
