The future of Warren Lane pedestrian railway crossing in Branston has been secured for the time being after Network Rail decided not to close it.

The railway infrastructure owner has been in talks with Staffordshire County Council for some time because the path over the railway does not appear on the council’s definitive map and statement and as such, does not officially exist.

However, research by Network Rail shows that historically there were public foot rights at the crossing and it would appear that these may not have been ‘stopped up’.

In the circumstances it has decided that the crossing will not be closed on 28 February as had been intended.

Network Rail will continue to have talks with the council to regularise the situation but will also continue to examine the possibility of having the footpath diverted so that the crossing can be permanently closed at some time in the future.

Where suitable alternatives exist, the company has a policy of closing foot crossings, in order to improve the safety, and with a 125mph speed limit on the line through Branston, this is something Network Rail is keen to explore further.