Wareham Level Crossing
Vikki Secures Future of Wareham Level Crossing
After holding meetings with both Network Rail and the Rail Minister, Vikki Slade has secured the future of Wareham's beloved Level Crossing.
The future of Wareham's Level crossing had been in jeopardy for many years as Network Rail and other organisations had previously intended to close the crossing and cease its operations altogether.
Following a series of meetings, Network Rail have finally agreed that the current arrangements with manually operated gates to maintain ground-level pedestrian access at Wareham rail crossing will continue in place for the long term.
They have also agreed to remove the previous expected expiry date of 2038 that would have seen pedestrian right of access across the tracks removed. It has instead been replaced with a rolling agreement to be signed with Dorset Council.
Vikki said: "We are all incredibly proud of this achievement. I have long been aware of the ongoing dispute at the Wareham crossing and after hearing the concerns of the community, most recently at the protest on 1st February this year, I made it my mission as your MP to ensure those concerns were heard by the Rail Minister and Network Rail so that I could push for a long-term, sustainable solution that worked for all of Wareham.
Over the last few years, the community in Wareham have been clear that they do not want their town divided. Residents have registered their strong opposition to proposals for closure of the crossing and have highlighted concerns around accessibility and the impact on the community.
Both Councillor Nick Ireland and I have worked hard to ensure that the people of Wareham have been heard. We are absolutely delighted that through our efforts the future of Wareham Crossing is secure."
