National Rail applies for footpath closure on mainline route

Network Rail have given notice to Burgess Hill Town Council that it intends to apply to West Sussex County Council under Section 118A of the Highways Act 1980.

These plans are to extinguish part of Public Footpath ANS-101CR, which crosses the railway approximately 630 metres north of Wivelsfield railway station.

The footpath, that resides in the parish of Ansty & Staplefield, is widely used, and crosses from Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve to Valebridge Road just outside the Burgess Hill boundary.

It’s part of a convenient circular route that links with other Valebridge Road footpaths including the route along Theobalds Road.

However it represents a safety risk to users due to it’s increased usage and the speed of services that travel on the Brighton Mainline.

Network Rail’s policy is to close these particular crossings as their practicality are being assessed as high risk.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We can confirm that we are informally consulting with the local community on the proposed closure of the Bedelands level crossing following several safety incidents in recent years.

"We are working with West Sussex County Council on the proposal as a public right of way that currently passes over the railway would need to be removed.

“Although the line at this location is straight, the volume of trains on the busy Brighton Main Line means that regularly approaching trains are hidden behind other trains that have just passed, creating a risk for people crossing the railway.

“Should closure go ahead following a consultation, an alternative route exists south of the level crossing, underneath the railway.”

Burgess Hill Town Councillors were alerted to the correspondence last week and will submit their views to Network Rail by September 11.

West Sussex County Council will issue a public consultation when Network Rail make a formal application probably later this year.