Plan for footbridge at village railway station

Near-miss in 2014 sparked safety move

Plans for a new pedestrian footbridge over a village railway station have been submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

Network Rail has put in the application for the footbridge and two towers with lifts at Ham Street station after safety fears were raised by villagers.

In 2014 the Kentish Express reported a near-miss between a boy on the level crossing and an oncoming train which runs between Rye and Ashford International, which led to its closure in September 2014.

A temporary footbridge was put up after the incident.

Peter Davison, from St Thomas Cross, north of Hamstreet, led the safety campaign as an independent councillor for 16 years.

He said: “It was a very dangerous crossing which was used as a shortcut for many in the village to get to school.

“The new trains could be quite quiet, and when one train was parked at the station, a pedestrian couldn’t see if another train was coming.

“Fortunately we didn’t have any major incidents or crises that I can recall, but our plea has been listened to.

“I’m sure parents with chil- dren trying to get to school will be very pleased to have a shorter route. Children can enjoy going up and down in the lifts. I think it will be an asset for the village.”

Mr Davison added that the design of the lifts will be in keeping with the Palladian architecture of the Grade IIlisted station, and though it will look more modern, it will be functional.

The footbridge will be a first floor gantry connected by two towers with lifts to replace the level crossing.

The crossing itself is one of only five of its type in the country, and is part of an ongoing effort by Network Rail to upgrade 500 level crossings nationwide.

Network Rail spokesman Ross Boyle said: “Following a near miss in June 2014, we closed the Ham Street station level crossing and erected a temporary footbridge in September 2014.

“We are now progressing plans to deliver a permanent footbridge with lifts, to provide a safer and more accessible crossing for pedestrians.”

Council officers are aiming to provide a recommendation for the planning committee by December this year.

For more visit www.ashford. gov.uk /planning and search for reference 16/01506/AS.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk

Cllr Peter Davison; right, a temporary footbridge at Ham Street station

A youngster had a terrifying near-miss with a train at the station in 2014