Annette Brooke MP will be holding an adjournment debate in Parliament on the rail crossing in Wareham this Wednesday (28th) at 11 am. The debate, titled 'Pedestrian Crossing at Wareham Railway Station' will be attended by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport, Chris Mole MP, along with other important stakeholders concerned with the safety and future of the crossing.
This is a vital issue for many thousands of Wareham residents who have voiced their anger and frustration at the suggestion of the crossing being closed. They feel the closure would cut the town in two and create huge access problems for residents on either side.
There have been considerable safety issues with the crossing and it has been identified by Network Rail as being one of the worst in the country. There are a number of recorded incidents on the tracks with individuals ignoring red lights and alarms and putting themselves and others at extreme risk.
Commenting Annette said
'I acknowledge there are major safety concerns on this issue, and I hope this debate on Wednesday, along with the public meeting the following day, will give residents, the council and the rail operators, an opportunity to find a solution that is acceptable to all. We need to work together to save this crossing.
This timely debate will give me the opportunity to call on the parties concerned: the Minister, Network Rail, Dorset County Council and the Office of Rail Regulation and remind them of how important it is that we find a solution that will be beneficial to the huge number of people that rely on this crossing as well as the rail users.
A number of people rely on this crossing, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or with children or pushchairs. Most agree that the safety of the crossing users and the train drivers is paramount and I hope that this debate will allow for open discussion to move the problem forward to a constructive solution.'
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