Fisherman's Path level crossing bridge plans officially withdrawn

The level crossing is considered high risk as it leaves only eight seconds to move out of the way of an 60mph train.

Plans to build a footbridge over a deadly level crossing on Fisherman's path have been officially withdrawn on April 1st.

Last week planning cheifs controversially announced they would oppose the construction of a bridge over the level crossing where a young woman was killed last year trying to save a dog.

Last year 22-year-old Yasmin Jones was killed on the crossing as she attempted to save one of the dogs she was walking from being hit by an on-coming train.

22 -Year Old Yasmin Jones

Network Rail filed a planning application to build a footbridge and close the level crossing, which sits between Freshfield and Ainsdale, but it has since been withdrawn after the planning committee recommended it for refusal.

The crossing is considered a "high risk" as people have just eight seconds to react to an oncoming 60mph train - but council planning bosses are opposing the plans based on the fact it would be difficult for cyclists and wheelchair users to access the bridge, despite the fact plans include a wheeling ramp.

A planning report outlining the reasons for the recommendation said that the footbridge would make Fisherman's Path hard to use for cyclists and those with mobility impairments.

It said: "It is recognised that wheeling ramps provide limited benefit to cyclists and that not only are they difficult to use but in many cases can in fact be detrimental to the users safety.

"A cycle channel helps guide the wheels of a bike but whilst using the channel the cyclist has to hold the handlebars of the bike and is therefore unable to utilise the bridge handrails.

"Whilst wheelchair users would currently find it difficult to use the paths leading to the level crossing there are users that have mobility issues that can use the crossing but will not be able to use a stepped bridge.

"The Diversity Impact Assessment does not account for the users that may appear to look able bodied but that have some form of mobility issue.

"The proposed bridge is not accessible and will have a detrimental effect on these users."

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Safety is Network Rail's priority and although Britain's level crossings are among the safest in Europe, they still pose the biggest safety risk on the railway.

"The Office of Rail Regulation wants the rail industry to close level crossings - a position we support.

"Network Rail will continue to work closely with Sefton Borough Council to achieve a safe solution at Fisherman's Path that takes into account all the users of this crossing."

The application was officially withdrawn on April 1.

Story and Photo Source: Southport Visiter