Residents on the Coppice Estate in Stone could face two days without vehicle access as Network Rail prepares to close the Church Lane level crossing for essential maintenance work this August.
The closure, due to begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday 12th August and end at 12:00 noon on Thursday 14th August, is part of a wider £7 million package of upgrades on the West Coast Main Line. While pedestrian access will remain open, vehicles, including deliveries, will not be able to use the crossing during the works.
Residents have raised concerns that the closure may leave them effectively cut off, with no alternative route in or out by car. With a number of disabled and elderly residents living on the estate, there are growing worries about what will happen in the event of an emergency.
At present, Network Rail has not confirmed whether emergency vehicles will be able to access the estate during the closure. We’ve contacted them for clarification and will update readers once a response is received.
Residents invited to find out more
Network Rail will be holding a community information event at Stone Station Community Centre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesday 16th July. Local people are encouraged to attend and speak directly to Network Rail staff about the works and their concerns.
The Church Lane closure is one of three level crossing upgrades planned in the area that week:
- Meaford: 9:00 pm Sunday 10th August – 6:00 pm Tuesday 12th August
- Church Lane: 1:00 pm Tuesday 12th August – 12:00 pm Thursday 14th August
- Aston-by-Stone: 7:00 am Thursday 14th August – 8:00 am Saturday 16th August
Each crossing will have its surfaces, beams and panels replaced as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce disruption on the line.
More disruption planned throughout August
In addition to the crossing works, other major upgrades in the Stone area this summer include:
- Track renewal at Stone Station, involving over 50 new rails and 2,500 tonnes of new ballast
- Refurbishment of the River Trent Viaduct, which will see concrete slabs replaced and waterproofing improved
This activity has been timed to coincide with the school holidays to minimise disruption, and some train services will be replaced by buses. Passengers travelling between Colwich and Manchester Piccadilly are advised to check their journey details before setting off.
Zayn Sattar, project manager at Network Rail, said:
“We’ve written to local people in Stone about the work and are asking passengers to check before they travel this August. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these vital upgrades.”
Community response and next steps
Despite the long-term benefits, the short-term impact of the Church Lane closure has left residents anxious.
One resident told A Little Bit of Stone:
“There’s no mention of emergency access or help for people who can’t manage on foot. We don’t want to be stuck inside for two days wondering what will happen if someone needs help.”
We’ll continue to follow this story and share any updates from Network Rail as soon as they’re available
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