Plans to close a public footpath considered dangerous because it crosses a railway line where trains reach speeds of 100mph have been firmly rejected by Wiltshire Council. The footpath, used daily by around 200 residents from the nearby Amazon Way estate, is currently a crucial route for accessing the town.
Network Rail requested the council to extinguish the right of way, aiming to close the level crossing. However, without an alternative bridge, council members of the western area planning committee declined the proposal, emphasizing the footpath’s importance.
When the Amazon Way development was approved in 2016, Network Rail objected due to safety concerns but was assured a bridge would be constructed over the railway line near Westbury Station. The absence of such a bridge has left residents reliant on this crossing, with the only suggested alternative route adding a kilometer and passing under a narrow, 700mm-wide bridge — too narrow even for comfortable pedestrian use.
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Concerns were raised that closing the footpath without a replacement would push residents to use cars more frequently, exacerbating traffic congestion in the area.
Funding of £2 million has already been secured from Amazon Way’s developer, with an additional contribution expected from a neighboring estate developer. The council is currently exploring options for a new road bridge, but if this plan falls through, the funds would be redirected to construct a footbridge to ensure safe crossing.
Lisa Bullock, senior town planner at Network Rail, stressed the need for the right of way order to fulfill planning obligations and provide a safe, accessible crossing for the community. Meanwhile, Dan Hayes, Network Rail’s level crossing manager, highlighted that the current warning light system offers only 24 seconds of notice before a fast-approaching train, raising safety issues especially for vulnerable users like children, the elderly, and dog walkers.
CCTV footage has captured misuse of the crossing, including by children, increasing safety concerns. Josh Murray, Network Rail’s route level crossing manager, acknowledged the limitations of technology alone in managing the inherent risks without a bridge.
“If the application to close the footpath is refused, we may have to enforce speed restrictions on trains or even consider closing the line temporarily, leading to widespread disruption,” Murray warned.
Local councillors voiced strong support for residents’ safety and access. Cllr Boaz Barry described the footpath as a vital community lifeline that requires a safe bridge to replace the crossing. Cllr Gordon King, a former railway patrolman, called for bridge construction rather than penalizing residents by removing access. Cllr Robert Smith pointed out the failure to deliver the promised bridge amid increasing local housing developments. Chairing the meeting, Cllr Stewart Palmén underscored that “the bridge is the obvious solution.”
In a unanimous decision, Wiltshire Council rejected Network Rail’s application to close the footpath and directed Cllr Palmén to urge the cabinet member to prioritize building the much-needed bridge, ensuring safety and continuous access for the Westbury community.