Public will get their chance to view plans for Little Bowden rail crossing

The public drop in event will take place at Market Harborough station from 2-6pm.

Gary Walsh, area director for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: “We know that people in Little Bowden are keen to have a new crossing installed as soon as possible and it is important that we get the details right.

“The public drop-in event will allow people to see the plans and to give their views. We recognise that having the crossing closed has caused some inconvenience to people and for that we apologise, but we are keen to reassure people that we are working hard to get designs for the footbridge ready and would welcome the views of the community at this week’s event.”

Network Rail suddenly closed the public footpath across the line last year, saying it was too dangerous.

A spokesman said: “The crossing at Little Bowden has been closed with immediate effect following our latest risk assessment which showed an unacceptably high level of risk to the public.”

Local county councillor Dr Sarah Hill called the closure “unacceptable” and said Network Rail must build a bridge at the site before they closed the crossing.

The crossing had been regularly used for many years by local people. It was controlled by red and green lights and an audio warning. Trains pass at up to 75mph.

Network Rail closed the level crossing last year and since then has been working on plans to build a footbridge over the railway.

Network Rail says it has been working with residents, crossing users, Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council as part of the process.

Footbridge plans will be submitted to Harborough District Council after feedback from residents and users has been received.