Yahoo News Worlaby level crossing closure rights of way inquiry to resume next week
A public inquiry into the closure of a level crossing in rural North Lincolnshire is not over after all.
The Worlaby crossing's pedestrian gates were closed in 2018 by Network Rail, but the council argues it should be a public right of way. Planning inspector Mark Yates chaired a public inquiry in Worlaby Village Hall for three days in early April.
Grimsby Live attended much of day two and at that point, it was due to conclude the following day, on April 11. However, it was, in fact, adjourned at the end of day three. It will resume again this month for three more day sessions.
Read More:
The inquiry will be back at Worlaby Village Hall on May 9-10. A final virtual session will be held on May 13, via the link here. All sessions are scheduled to start at 10am.
North Lincolnshire Council's case for its reopening has rested on historic documents, and public testimonies on its historical use. Scores of residents put forward submissions about use of the crossing on the opening day on the inquiry.
The closure of the Carr Lane crossing cuts off access to Ancholme Valley Way, a council-promoted walk and cycleway between South Ferriby and Brigg, along the riverside. This path is not yet complete - a section approximately between Horkstow and Saxby All Saints remains to be finalised.
Want to sign up to the Scunthorpe newsletter, but can’t access the link below? Click here .
Following the level crossing's closure, North Lincolnshire Council made an order to record public rights over the railway, and down to the River Ancholme. Network Rail objected to this, on the basis the order route was provided as a private access road in or around 1820 and it has not held any rights for the public. The inquiry is being held to make a clear ruling on which party is correct.
In most cases, Network Rail closes level crossings on safety grounds. Grimsby Live understands its witnesses are due to appear before the inquiry in the extra days. The virtual sessions is expected to largely the summing up of arguments by each party's barrister.
Following the inquiry's closure, the planning inspector will go away and consider all the presented evidence, and write an appeal decision.
