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Tuesday 13 Apr 2010

BOLTON FOOTBRIDGE FIRST

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The first in a series of footbridges to replace pedestrian level crossings at stations in Yorkshire has opened for use.

Mrs Meryl White, daughter of the last station master at Bolton upon Dearne, was joined by representatives from Network Rail and Northern Rail to open the new bridge.

Kevin Preece, area general manager for Network Rail, said: “This crossing had a history of misuse – where pedestrians dash across the tracks while the warning lights are showing.  This behaviour is obviously incredibly dangerous.”

“This is the first in a programme of works to replace such crossings with footbridges which also give full disabled access.”

The package of works is worth £7.5m at four stations (Moorthorpe, Bolton-on-Dearne, Woodlesford, Normanton) and one footpath at Thrislington in the north east.

A bench in memory of Fred Abson, the last station master at Bolton-upon-Dearne, has also been unveiled. Fred’s daughters, Meryl White and Dorothy Stott, said; “Our father was dedicated to the railway all his life and served as station master from 1950 to 1968.

“He was well respected in the railway industry and in Bolton-upon-Dearne. We are delighted that Network Rail has been able to rebuild and dedicate his memorial alongside their essential safety works. Many thanks to Network Rail and to Barnsley council planning department for their efforts to achieve this.”