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Wednesday 26 Aug 2026

Network Rail announces community engagement sessions on future of Brookside level crossing

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Network Rail is inviting residents in Dinas Powys to a series of community engagement sessions to discuss the emergency closure of Brookside footpath level crossing and next steps.

Three sessions will take place on Wednesday 2 September, giving the local community the opportunity to hear directly from the Network Rail team about why the crossing was closed, the work undertaken since, and what happens next.

Following feedback from the community, Network Rail has added an additional afternoon session at Youldon House to make it easier for people living locally who may have mobility difficulties, or who may find it difficult to travel to Lee Hall, to attend.

The sessions will take place at:

• 10:00 – 12:00 – Lee Hall, Dinas Powys, CF64 4AL
• 14:00 – 16:00 – Youldon House, Fairoaks, Dinas Powys, CF64 4QW
• 19:00 – 21:00 – Lee Hall, Dinas Powys, CF64 4AL

Each session will begin with a presentation from Network Rail explaining what has happened to date and the process for considering the future of the crossing.

This will be followed by a question-and-answer session and an open discussion, giving residents the opportunity to speak directly with the Network Rail team, ask questions and share their views.

Brookside footpath level crossing was closed as an emergency safety measure on 26 June following assessments which identified a significant change in its risk profile.

Around 150 trains use this section of railway each day, alongside approximately 217 daily users of the crossing. Assessments found that more than 56% of users were considered vulnerable including older people, families with pushchairs or young children, unaccompanied children and people with reduced mobility.

The crossing remains closed while Network Rail works with stakeholders to determine the safest long term options for the site.

Krista Sexton, Head of Operational Risk at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “We know how important Brookside crossing is to the community and we recognise the impact its closure has had on people who previously used it.

“Closing the crossing was not a decision we took lightly, but the level of risk identified meant we had to act to protect public safety.

“We also made a commitment that we would listen to and engage with the community as we consider what happens next. These sessions are an important part of that process and will give people the opportunity to hear directly from our team, ask questions and share their views.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in the crossing to come along to one of the sessions and talk to us.”

Network Rail will continue to engage with local stakeholders, community representatives and accessibility groups as longer-term options for Brookside are considered.

In the meantime, the crossing remains closed and members of the public are asked not to attempt to access or cross the railway at this location.