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Friday 13 Nov 2015

Residents invited to learn more about plans to improve safety at Gipsy Lane level crossing

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Residents from Needham Market in Suffolk are invited to attend two drop-in sessions next week to find out more about Network Rail’s plans to improve safety at Gipsy Lane level crossing.

Members of the Network Rail team will be on hand to answer questions on potential options to replace the crossing, including a ramped footbridge, an underpass or a diversion, on the following dates:

• Wednesday November 18, between 4pm and 8pm
• Saturday November 21, between 11am and 3pm

Both meetings will be at the Needham Market Community Centre. There is no need for local residents to book a place and all are welcome.

The exhibition will enable residents to provide feedback on each of the options. It will also be an opportunity for Network Rail to understand the impact of the proposals on the community, before any decisions are made on what scheme is taken forward.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail route managing director, said: “Every time a footpath or a road meets the railway, there is a risk and it is our aim to reduce this as much as we can. This rail line is only going to get busier in the coming years as demand for passenger and freight services increases, so it’s important we find a way forward.”

Cllr James Finch, cabinet member for highways and transport at Suffolk County Council, said: “It is important that Network Rail finds a solution that is acceptable to all those who wish to cross the line now and in the future whether they be on foot or in a wheelchair. We therefore ask that options for this crossing, including an underpass, meet these needs as cost effectively as they can.”

Cllr Mike Norris, Mid Suffolk Ward member for Needham Market, said: “These two consultation events are a great opportunity for people to get involved and find out more about the options being considered.  I would very much encourage local people to go along and let Network Rail know what they think about these proposals.”

Residents' representative, Graham Oxenham, said: “The exhibition provides a vital chance for everyone to make their preference known before a final decision is made. The chosen solution could make a huge difference as to how residents and ramblers access the countryside nearby, both now and in the future."

Following next week’s event, Network Rail will review all feedback received. In January, it will outline its preferred option to a panel made up of residents and a number of local authorities in Suffolk.

The panel was set up this summer to enable all parties to work together to find a long-term solution for the crossing.

ENDS

The address for Needham Market Community Centre is:

23 School Street
Needham Market
Suffolk
IP6 8BB