Opinions wanted on ways to reduce danger at level crossing

RESIDENTS have been told that the date of a meeting organised to discuss safety improvements at a level crossing has been changed.

Network Rail had planned to hear the public's reaction to its proposals for the crossing at Whitebridge Lane, in Stone, on Wednesday.

But the company has had to cancel the meeting because of the weather.

And it says the forum has now been rearranged for between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday, January 11.

The crossing at the centre of the discussions is accessed by a metal gate at each side of the railway line.

The gates are open at all times, so pedestrians have to decide when it is safe for them to cross.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Safety is our number one priority and, for this reason, Network Rail is seeking to reduce the safety risk presented by the type and nature of the crossing."

A letter sent to nearby residents identifies four possible changes:

Closing the crossing to pedestrians and putting a diversion in place;

Building a stepped footbridge across the railway;

Constructing a ramped footbridge across the railway;

Providing a subway to replace the crossing.

And residents can send their thoughts and comments, ahead of next month's meeting, by post to: Network Rail, Community Relations, North West, Third floor, Square One, 4 Travis Street, Manchester M1 2NY. Alternatively, email CRNW@networkrail.co.uk or call 08457 114141, quoting Four Lane Ends.

The FA Democrats al-Qaida Credit crunch Rihanna Lloyds Banking Group