Network plan for erecting a footbridge
Around 50 residents opposed to Network Rail plans to close the Cornton level crossings made their feelings known at a public meeting last week.
Those from Bridge of Allan, Cornton and Causewayhead who are concerned about the proposal met with Stirling Council transport officer Jonathan Padmore at Cornton Community Centre on Friday evening to air their concerns.
Among those in attendance were Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart, former Stirling Conservative candidate Stephen Kerr, Douglas Dodds – chair of Bridge of Allan Community Council, and Bill Glencross who has been one of the most vocal opponents to the application.
Concerns over the impact the measures would have on the Forth Park and Vale Grove estates were discussed along with fears relating to flooding and safety.
Network Rail want to close the crossings before the railway through Stirling is electrified in 2019 as faster, quicker electric trains are said to significantly increase the risk to those crossing.
They have submitted plans to erect a footbridge and road over rail bridge at land at south east of Cornton railway crossing with associated new road and junction improvements.
And they say that level crossings pose the biggest external risk to rail safety and, as a result, they are committed to removing them from their network.
However, a number of people present at last week’s meeting were quick to highlight various potential issues they feel could arise from such a development.
Mr Stewart MSP said: “There is a huge feeling of discontent about this application. The application has been launched and I have received notification from a number of constituents who have raised concerns.”
Among those concerns was that