Tense exchanges at public inquiry into level crossing closure

A PUBLIC inquiry into the closure of a level crossing heard tense exchanges between North Lincolnshire Council and Network Rail.

A three-day inquiry into Worlaby level crossing, Carr Lane, was held. The crossing’s pedestrian gates were closed in 2018, but the council argues that it should be a public right of way.

Mark Yates, a planning inspector, chaired the inquiry at Worlaby Village Hall. He will decide whether the council or Network Rail has the stronger case.

The closure of the crossing cuts off access to Ancholme Way, a council-promoted walk and cycleway between South Ferriby and Brigg, along the riverside. Following its closure, North Lincolnshire Council made an order to record public rights over the railway, and down to the River Ancholme.

Network Rail objected to this on the basis that the order route was provided as a private access road in or around 1820 and it has not held any rights for the public. The inquiry was held to make a clear ruling on which party is correct.

On the opening day, the hall was packed out as scores of residents put forward submissions about their use of the crossing. “It matters to us and local residents because it’s cut off access to the River Ancholme,” Coun Mike Speakman, who chairs Worlaby Parish Council, said.

“There’s a lot of evidence that people have had access to the Ancholme for something like, it would appear, 100 years or more, so we feel a bit aggrieved. We think there’s an established right of way.”

The route was used by cycling and walking groups from all over North Lincolnshire, Coun Speakman said. He was particularly struck by the historic memories raised by residents in evidence to the inquiry. “It would appear that in the ’50s and ’60s particularly, it was the kids’ playground for the village,” he added.

Day two of the inquiry saw exchanges as an advocate for Network Rail, Mr Lopez, cross-examined the council’s case officer, Mr Wilkinson, with the latter complaining at times that the questions were hostile.

Much time was spent focusing on the council’s case for long-standing public access to the river via Carr Lane. This rested on Worlaby having had a landing point for ferry packets. Network Rail’s advocate challenged whether the evidence amounted to proof of its public use.