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Tuesday 22 Jul 2025

Local MP visits ‘misused’ level crossing

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

North Shropshire Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan has paid a visit to the site of a level crossing earmarked for safety upgrades to address growing concerns of misuse.

Viaduct footpath crossing near Chirk will see the installation of miniature stop lights (MSL) in an effort to reduce the number of people putting themselves and those around them at risk. In census footage of the footpath crossing recorded between November 2024 and March 2025 this year, 13 separate incidents of misuse or dangerous behaviour were recorded. This included groups loitering, people laying on the tracks to take photos, and horseplay.

Ms Morgan was accompanied by members of the level crossing team from Network Rail Wales and Borders, who explained that the misuse, combined with the speed limit and frequency of trains on this part of the line, meant that work that had been in the pipeline for years had been brought forward.

Ms Morgan, said: “It was very useful to join Network Rail to visit the crossing and understand how serious an issue the danger at the site is. The surge in level of misuse at the crossing is alarming, and I am pleased that action to help address this is being brought forward.

“I urge anyone crossing the railway line to always be as careful as possible.”

The design work for the MSL installation began in 2023 and the installation is expected to take place before the end of the current financial year. In the meantime, regular safety inspections at the crossing will continue to monitor its use. ​

Rachel Heath, Operations Director at Wales and Borders, said: “Getting out on site is sometimes the best way to explain what is needed and why, allowing people to see for themselves the issues faced and how certain decisions are reached.

“We would like to thank Helen Morgan MP for her time and genuine interest in what we’re doing at this level crossing and why we’re doing it. We would like to reiterate her instructions for people to take care and remain vigilant when close to the railway tracks and using any level crossing.  

“We do all we can to minimise risk, but we can’t eliminate it completely. People using their common sense, paying attention and following correct procedures will support that happening.”