A request for a deputation, with a petition, has been received and agreed for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.
The deputation will present a petition from residents in and around Lincoln Road Crossing calling on the Council to work with the relevant railway authority to ensure that the railway crossing remains operational and at the very least that the pedestrian crossing remains operational.
(8.20 – 8.35 pm)
Minutes:
NOTED, that a request for a deputation, with a petition, had been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting. The deputation would present a petition from residents in and around Lincoln Road Crossing calling on the Council to work with the relevant railway authority to ensure that the railway crossing remained operational.
Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) welcomed Adele Panayi, spokesperson for the deputation, and other members of the deputation to the meeting, and invited her to present the deputation to Cabinet.
Adele Panayi outlined in detail, the concerns of local residents regarding the decision by Network Rail to close the level crossing at Lincoln Road. The negative effect on increased journey times for local residents and the impact on traffic in the area were highlighted. Residents were concerned that the closure of the crossing to vehicles could also lead to a general closure including cyclists and pedestrians.
Residents were dissatisfied with the lack of proper consultation by Network Rail and asked that the Council champion the interests of its residents and highlight the concerns which had been raised; and, seek clear justification from Network Rail for the closure. A full and accurate traffic survey should be conducted.
A petition by 600 residents was presented to Councillor Taylor (Leader of the Council). The petition was headed – “We the residents are opposed to the closure of the Level Crossing in Lincoln Road, Enfield. We urge Enfield Council and Network Rail to work together in order to ensure that the Level Crossing is re-opened”.
Councillor Chris Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment) responded to the deputation. It was noted that the Council had been in discussions with Network Rail since December 2012. An e mail had been received earlier that day to state that a permanent closure of the level crossing was proposed, excluding pedestrians. Formal notice of this decision by Network Rail was awaited. Andy Love MP had previously written to the appropriate Government Minister expressing concerns on behalf of local residents.
Councillor Bond acknowledged the petition which had been signed by local residents but also noted that there were a number of residents in the area who were content with the closure of the level crossing. The Council had no power to instruct Network Rail. It was noted there were other level crossings in the East of the Borough which could also be subject to future closures. The Council was committed to having open and full discussions with Network Rail. It was noted that this was a complex legal issue.
In response to the concerns which had been raised in the deputation, Councillor Bond reiterated that formal notification of the closure was awaited from Network Rail including the reasons of justification for a permanent closure. It was noted that health and safety reasons had previously been cited. It was hoped that the level crossing would be temporarily opened to enable a full traffic survey to be undertaken. Councillor Bond stated that a permanent closure would have cost implications for the Council as traffic would need to be permanently re-directed. It was noted that the Police had previously been unaware of the closure. The Council would address the issues raised as far as it was able to.
Councillor Taylor reiterated that the Council had limited powers but that it would continue to champion the views of local residents. Network Rail would be advised of the petition which had been received by the Council.
Councillor Taylor thanked Adele Panayi for her presentation and for the attendance of the deputation at the Cabinet meeting.