Network Rail wants Stone people’s views on its plans to improve safety at two more railway crossings in the town.
The pedestrian crossings at Stone Station and Lime Kiln are now being considered by Network Rail following a consultation on improvement proposals at the Whitebridge Lane crossing earlier this year. A pedestrian bridge is to be installed at the Whitebridge Lane crossing.
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Network Rail is inviting residents to a drop-in event at Stone Station Community Centre on Thursday 15th September between 5pm and 7pm to have their say.
- Stone Station crossing runs from Stonefield Court, over the West Coast Mainline, to Station Approach
- Lime Kiln crossing runs from Station Approach, across the railway line going to and from Norton Bridge and Stafford, and leads down to the canal.
The consultation event and planned safety work is part of Network Rail’s programme of safety improvements at level crossings across the country.
7 comments
Brian Clews
One botch up by the council. Is it to be repeated at Lime Kiln Crossing. I am told by workmen at the crossing that the work now being carried out at Lime Kiln, is for another stepped bridge to cross the Norton Bridge Line. When this has been carried out , this crossing that can be be used by wheelchairs, will also be unavailable to persons unable to use the bridge. There will be no level crossing points between Mount Road (Almost at Meaford) and Stone town. Nice bit of planning. What will be the next b***s up?
Brian Clews
Stone Council have objected to the size of the proposed bridge at Whitebridge. My concern is that if they are forced to downsize (remove the ramps) then it will not be accessable to all (disabled,mobility scooters. .prams, persons who may have problems with steps) It is an old established right of way which should not become restricted, or closed..
Richard Stevens
Well, that was a bit of a waste of time, wasn’t it? A few pieces of paper stuck up on the walls and a questionnaire. The plans on the walls all indicate the erection of footbridges over both sets of lines next to the Station but, on questioning one of the men in suits, it transpires that this is only one of several options being considered. Frankly, in my view, the whole thing was a waste of my time. I tried to find out what all the options were but it was worse than pulling teeth.
And the whole lot was overshadowed by an objector’s poster which contained more facts, photographs and information than all of Network Rail’s put together!
We all know what the next instalment will be don’t we? They’ll say that “after full public consultation we have decided to do….” What a nonsense.
Richard Stevens
My main concern here is that Network Rail has made no secret of the fact that they regard footpaths across tracks at ground level as a safety issue. Hence the proposal to build the footbridge at Whitebridge Lane. What plans do they have for these crossings? I would not be surprised to hear the argument that the crossing by the station up to Mount Road could be closed in view of the close proximity of the level crossing at the end of Station Approach.
Of course safety is an issue (but I’m not aware of any issues on these crossings) but I suspect the overriding motivation here is to allow Mr Branson’s trains to pass through Stone without reducing speed and thereby making Virgin journey times that little bit shorter.
I look forward to the ‘consultation’!
Nick Gumbley
Let’s hope that an improvement to Lime Kiln crossing will enable some form of disable access to the down platform, as present there isn’t any. It would also help parents with pushchairs.
Jamie Summerfield
Hi Nick. That’s a really good point. It will be very interesting to see Network Rail’s options for the Lime Kiln crossing. Are you going to the consultation event?
Nick Gumbley
Hopefully, yes.