Deadline looms for objections to closure of railway crossing

Those opposed to controversial Network Rail plans to close the Cornton level crossings have until Tuesday to submit their objections.

A number of local residents made their voices heard at a public meeting at Cornton Community Centre last Friday, before heading to a meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council on Tuesday evening.

And they have just days remaining to put together their comments on the application before submitting it to Stirling Council.

Concerns that the measures will isolate the residents of Forth Park and Vale Grove from their community in Bridge of Allan have been raised, along with fears over safety, aesthetics and potential flooding. 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 for a foot bridge and road over rail bridge at land south east of Cornton railway crossing with associated new road and junction improvements.

They say that level crossings pose the biggest external risk to rail safety and that they are committed to removing them from their network.

Bridge of Allan man Bill Glencross has been one of the most vocal opponents to the proposal and said: “Some of the residents of Forth Park and Vale Grove have family in the village who often rely on our support or from whom we receive support.

“Many will be unable to manage the five per cent incline created by the proposed pedestrian bridge.

“Accessibility is the main issue here – there is a strong dislike of the proposal among the local residents but we just wonder if anyone is listening.

“This is a unique situation and it requires a unique solution.

“This is the type of thing you see up and down the country, however, in this case they are proposing to separate a community from their village.”

To date, 37 comments have been made on the Network Rail application, which can be viewed on the Stirling Council website.