Protestors have won a victory to stop the closure of a manned pedestrian crossing over the railway line at Wareham, but it will continue to rely on Dorset Council funding the £120,000 annual cost.
Following a standoff lasting more than a decade between Network Rail, local councils and the residents of Wareham, it’s been agreed the crossing which connects two halves of the town will no longer be closed when the current lease expires in 2038.
Hundreds of Wareham residents joined a protest which helped to save the town’s level crossing
Continuous rolling lease agreed
The decision follows talks between Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade, Network Rail and Dorset Council.
Network Rail says it will now sign a continuous rolling lease agreement with Dorset Council for the crossing. It had previously threatened to close it when the lease expired, whether or not an alternative and accessible way across the tracks had been provided.
Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland has committed to finding funds for the manned crossing – currently standing at £120,000 a year – for as long as he leads the council.
Actor Edward Fox and Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade at the Wareham level crossing
“Deeply appreciated by all”
The community campaign to keep the manned pedestrian crossing over the railway line at Wareham has been praised by local resident and distinguished actor Edward Fox after the threat of closure was lifted.
Day of the Jackal actor Edward Fox, said:
“This is a huge breakthrough and wonderful news for the inhabitants of Wareham. The threat of closure has been hanging over Wareham residents for over 40 years and this decision will make an enormous difference to so many people’s lives.
“It is deeply appreciated by all those who rely on the crossing including mothers with children, older people, those with mobility scooters and children cycling to school, all of whom will benefit from this for years to come.
“The gratitude of residents to Nick Ireland and Network Rail for listening to the people of Wareham is deeply felt.”
The railway line cuts Wareham in two and residents need to cross to access shops, schools and health services
“This is a small price to pay”
Proposals for Wareham crossing have been the subject of a long running dispute, with questions over safety concerns, funding for the crossing and aborted plans for alternative ways of getting pedestrians over the railway lines safely.
While there is a pedestrian bridge across the railway line, it is not accessible for wheelchair users, those pushing prams or cyclists. Proposals to install lifts or ramps to the bridge proved unpopular and impractical.
Nick Fagan, chair of Wareham Town Trust, said:
“We are thrilled at the agreement reached between Dorset Council, Network Rail and Vikki Slade MP that the ground level pedestrian crossing next to the town’s railway station will remain in perpetuity.
“In particular, the announcement of a continuous rolling agreement – presumably the indefinite continuation of the lease – between Network Rail and the council is very good news indeed.
“The trust would like to thank Nick Ireland for his understanding and vision in appreciating just how vital the surface level crossing is to the people of Wareham, particularly those who live in Carey and Northmoor who absolutely depend on it to access schools, doctors, dentists and shops.
“Some people consider paying for crossing attendants is a waste of taxpayers’ money, but this is a small price to pay for keeping the town in one piece and for this route to be useable by all the people of Wareham.”
Nick Fagan thanked the hundreds of Wareham people who turned out for public demonstrations at the rail station and said he was certain that without their efforts, Network Rail would have closed the crossing and severed the town in two.
Safety has always been a prime concern at the level crossing
“Safety has always been our primary concern”
Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director for Network Rail, said:
“We know how important this level crossing is to the community in Wareham, and we are pleased to have worked with Vikki Slade MP and Councillor Nick Ireland to find a way forward.
“The safety of people using the crossing has always been our primary concern.
“The commitment from Dorset Council to continue funding the staffing costs will ensure that we can maintain the same high level of safety we have today.”
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade, centre, helped to bring all the parties together to reach an agreement
Brought all parties to the table
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade, who represents Wareham in the House of Commons, secured a face to face meeting with Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, and managed to bring all parties to the table to thrash out an agreement.
Vikki Slade said:
“Since Nick Ireland was elected leader of Dorset Council he has engaged with this issue, attending meetings and shown a commitment to a resolution.
“The original failure of Dorset County Council in the 1970s (to secure a permanent lease) created the uncertainty and I am pleased that he has provided assurance on continued funding, which secures the ground level access into the long term.”
Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland (right) pictured with Vikki Slade MP (left), has pledged to find money for the staffed crossing for as long as he is in charge
“It is the right decision for Wareham”
Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland added:
“I am delighted we have been able to secure this agreement with Network Rail, it is the right decision for Wareham community.
“I’d like to thank Vikki Slade MP for her help in securing this agreement and, of course, to the people of Wareham for their perseverance and determination on this matter.”
