Media centre

Friday 12 Nov 2010

NETWORK RAIL URGES SUPPORT FOR NORTH SHEEN FOOTBRIDGE PLANS

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail is urging members of the public to support an amended planning application for a new footbridge across the railway at North Sheen.

The proposed bridge will allow pedestrians to cross the railway while the Manor Road level crossing barriers are down, helping reduce the number of incidents where people put their lives at risk by running underneath or jumping over the barriers.

A planning application was submitted originally by Network Rail in April 2010. However, a new one has now been submitted which provided us with an opportunity to explain more fully to the local community the benefits of the bridge, its design and its location.

Richard O’Brien, Network Rail’s route director for Wessex, said: “North Sheen station is on a busy stretch of track, with around 10 trains passing through every hour. We have been working closely and listening to the community and local politicians for some time to develop a viable footbridge scheme which will benefit the community by reducing waiting times for pedestrians at the crossing and also help reduce misuse at the level crossing.

"We urge people to get behind the planning application which will ultimately benefit the community and the passengers who use the station for 325,000 journeys every year."

Penny Cox, head teacher at Holy Trinity school, said: "It's great news that the planning application has been re-submitted for the footbridge at North Sheen. It will be a great benefit for all residents and will make walking much safer as pedestrians will be separated from the traffic.

"Journey times will be so much more predictable which will encourage walking to school, helping our families to always get to school on time without being delayed at the barriers."

Full plans can be viewed at:

http://www2.richmond.gov.uk/PlanData2/planning_caseno.aspx?strCaseNo=10/3181/FUL

Any member of the public who wishes to support the scheme should click on the link 'scanned images are available', and then 'comment on application' link.