During a meeting hosted by Graham Stuart MP, the public expressed their anger at Network Rail’s decision to close without notice the England Springs level crossing just outside Beverley, which is used by over 150 people every day.
Graham was invited to speak at the event, attended by around 50 people, through Sue Crowther, the organiser of the Open England Springs Facebook group.
Residents were frustrated because they couldn’t cross the track, impeding their commutes to work, school, and leisure.
The day before, Graham had met with Network Rail and pressed them on engaging with the community.
Harry Bulmer, Minster and Woodmansey Ward Candidate, and Councillors Kerri Harold and David Elvidge attended in support and committed to help the residents.
As required by its own guidelines, Network Rail has agreed to meet again with Graham, Cllr Kerri Harold and Cllr David Elvidge to discuss options for maintaining the crossing.
A survey Graham conducted found that more than 370 people regularly used the crossing and it played a significant role in their daily lives.
Sue Crowther, organiser of Open England Springs Facebook group said:
“The meeting was only the beginning.
“Not only myself but everyone is extremely angry about this closure of the crossing.
“We are so grateful that our MP Graham Stuart is with us and pushing this case.
“For all the users of this popular walk-through, most of all so the homeowners of the railway cottages, this crossing has to be opened and preferably the sooner the better.”
Graham Stuart MP said, “I wish I could have been involved in this earlier, but it’s been a pleasure to do my bit to assist Sue Crowther, her Facebook group and the wider community.
“In Friday’s meeting with Network Rail, I was able to make the point that residents have had the rug pulled from under their feet, and I’m looking forward to meeting them again in a few weeks to find out what will be done to put this matter right.
“I’m doing what I can to make sure Network Rail listens to what everyone is saying – which is to allow people to cross this track.”
