Near misses Footpath over rail line could be shut due to safety fears

A FOOTPATH in the countryside north of Bristol could soon be blocked off to the public because of a severe safety risk. The public right of way runs over a railway north of Charfield in South Gloucestershire but Network Rail fears that the footpath is too dangerous to remain open.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

The footpath runs from Poolfield Farm Lane over the railway, which runs along an embankment, to New Street. Steps carry walkers to the top of the embankment, where they must then cross the tracks that carry trains running from Bristol to Gloucester, Cheltenham and further north.

Network Rail is applying to South Gloucestershire Council to “extinguish” the footpath over the railway. Councillors on the public rights of way and commons committee will vote on Wednesday, whether to approve the plans and allow the path to be blocked.

A committee report said: “There is no active method of warning at the crossing, users are expected to form their own decision on whether it is safe to cross or not by stopping, looking and listening for approaching trains. It is also an unprotected crossing so train services can traverse the crossing whether it is occupied or not.