Damian received this letter from Network Rail regarding the level crossing at Sheet:
From John Halsall, Route Managing Director for Wessex
Mr Damian Hinds MP Member of Parliament for East Hampshire
13 April 2016
Our Ref: ATDHCEH001
Dear Mr Hinds,
Update on Sheet level crossing
I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on our plans to improve safety at Sheet level crossing in your constituency, further to extensive discussions at the local level on the crossing since 2013.
As you may already be aware, Network Rail consulted and engaged with South Downs National Park Authority and local councils to try to agree on a proposal to close Sheet level crossing and replace it with a ramped footbridge. I am sorry to say that despite considerable work we have been unable to agree a proposal for a footbridge with stakeholders that would have secured approval from the local planning authority. We are therefore unable to proceed with closing the level crossing as proposed, which I understand may be disappointing news to both you and your constituents.
Network Rail is committed to improving the safety of Sheet level crossing for its users and it is unfortunate that on this occasion all local parties were not able to agree to the initial proposal. However, I wanted to let you know directly that we will be proceeding with alternative arrangements to help to improve safety at the level crossing. The existing half barrier at the crossing will be upgraded to full barriers, which are safer for pedestrians and road users, as soon as possible in the next funding period that will run from 2019 to 2024.
We have closed more than 900 level crossings in the last five years and we know the safest level crossing is a closed one. I wanted to reassure you that we hope to continue to hold discussions with local stakeholders on improving safety at the crossing. In the meantime, should you have any questions or would like to request further background information please contact Wessex Route Public Affairs Manager Aeneas Tole on [email protected] or 07734 650 550.