Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Network fail: City claims firm is refusing to discuss solution
Network Rail is accused of giving city leaders the cold shoulder by refusing to discuss potential solutions to the St Dunstan’s level crossing nightmare.
Talks over ambitious suggestions for alleviating congestion at the crossing, including a possible bridge over the line, have failed to get off the ground.
Frustrated leaders have vented their anger, accusing the rail operator, which owns key parcels of land, of failing to answer their phone calls.
Tonight the council is expected to sign off on setting aside £5 million to convert the 141-space public car park in Station Road West into a two-deck multi-storey.
While welcoming the plans, some members have raised concerns over increasing strain on the level crossing area in St Dunstan’s, which is already routinely gridlocked.
Speaking at last week’s policy and resources committee meeting, Cllr Rosemary Doyle said the expanded car park would need access via a bridge across the line from Roper Road.
“This is the real problem with that area,” she said.
“A long time ago I wanted a tunnel under there but everybody told me that wasn’t feasi- ble because of the water table.
“But I think a bridge could work here – more expensive but very effective.”
Access to the station or car park from the north side of the busy tracks which link London to the coast would involve use of land on Roper Road currently controlled by Network Rail.
Chief executive Colin Carmichael said various attempts at contacting the operator had so far been snubbed.
“Network Rail are infamously difficult to do business with,” he said.
“Even our member of parliament has been unable to make progress in getting Network Rail to the table.”
Responding directly to Cllr Doyle’s suggestion, he added: “The idea of a crossing across the line is another of the issues that we want to try to raise.
“As I say, if we ever get them to the table – that’s one of the issues we need to raise.”
Transport campaigner Jeremy Baker also expressed concern over alternative parking while the 141 spaces are lost during the construction phase.
Council officers have indicated that around 80 alternative spaces have been found – leaving
‘Even our member of parliament has been unable to make progress in getting Network Rail to the table.’
a shortfall of about 60. Mr Baker said: “So if only 80 spaces are available that means they will be full all day every day and lots of people will be unable to find anywhere to park.
“Which will be very bad for rail travellers, both peak and offpeak, and local business in the area, who will lose trade.”
Mr Baker has suggested the council investigate use of two further plots close to Canter- bury West station for additional parking – both are owned by Network Rail.
An exasperated Mr Carmichael admitted that alternative land that’s owned by Network Rail might be slightly tricky due to the operator’s continued silence.
Council leader Simon Cook said: “There are many things we want to talk about with Network Rail if ever they answer our phone calls.”
Cllr Steve Williams quipped: “Wouldn’t it be a novelty if Network Rail did respond in a timely manner.”
Network Rail also failed to respond to the Gazette newsdesk before the paper went to press, despite repeated inquiries since Monday.
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