Safety concerns have been raised over plans to demolish a footbridge over Scarborough’s North Bay miniature railway and redirect pedestrians to a level crossing instead.
Scarborough Borough Council is behind the plans for the footbridge which has been closed since 2020 and described as “severely defective”.
Councillor John Atkinson would rather see the bridge repaired.
The borough council wants to knock down the closed bridge and upgrade a nearby level crossing instead.
Councillor Bill Chatt thinks that's a bad idea.
Residents and councillors have raised concerns that more people using the crossing will increase the risk of accidents with oncoming trains.
There are also concerns over access for disabled people who have to navigate a spring loaded gate.
Resident John Sissens said demolishing the bridge would be a backward step for safety and inclusion.
He told a council planning committee meeting :
“Young families with pushchairs, children and especially wheelchair users struggle today to navigate the spring loaded swing gates.
“The footbridge has provided a safe crossing for more than 50 years. It was practicable 50 years ago, why not now?”
Councillors voted to defer a decision on the plans at the meeting.
They asked for more information on the plans to upgrade the level crossing which currently include a widening of the crossing area, an anti-slip surface and improved signage.
Councillors also suggested a traffic light or automated gate locking system could be installed to alert pedestrians to oncoming trains.


North Yorkshire Leaders Call for Fairer Fire Funding Following Major Moorland Blaze
East Riding Leaders Slam "Unfair" Funding Settlement as Residents Face Council Tax Hike
Voices of Ukraine Set For Scarborough Library Performance
Padel Court Plan for Cayton
New Murals Coming to Bridlington
Sandsend Business Needs Parking to Avoid Closure
Whitby Cliff Lift Inspection Produces ‘Very Favourable’ Findings
Wintry Conditions Expected as Met Office Issues Snow and Ice Warning for the Yorkshire Coast
Scarborough and Whitby MP Backs Prime Minister Following Leadership Turmoil
Community Information Facility Withdrawn from Whitby Station After Relentless Vandalism
Scarborough Athletic Celebrate Super Comeback To Peg Back Leaders
Scarborough West Pier Substation Plans Spark Concern







Comments
Add a comment