Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has called on Network Rail to improve safety measures at the railway crossing next to Shearwater Lane, Norton, following concerns from local residents.
Residents have been in touch with Alex about using the crossing, particularly at night – prompting Alex to contact Network Rail in June. Now in a letter to Network Rail CEO, Andrew Haines, Alex has renewed his calls and asked the organisation to explore providing some form of lighting to illuminate the crossing, as well as improve the signage on the crossing gates. While CCTV signs are in place on the site, Alex has asked Mr Haines if CCTV is indeed in operation on the site – and if it can be re-installed if not.
Alex said:
“Making sure railway crossings are safe for everyone to use is vital, and residents have been in touch to raise their concerns about this particular crossing at Shearwater Lane. On inspection I think the crossing could do with better lighting and renewed signs, as a minimum, and I have asked that Network Rail look into putting these measures into place.
“I’m also interested in whether there is actually CCTV in operation on this site. The signs on the gates says there is but having looked around I couldn’t see where it would be – although it could be at the nearby level crossing. If CCTV isn’t in operation, I’d hope Network Rail would consider re-installing it at this site.” Alex has also asked Network Rail to target Shearwater Lane in its ongoing Trespass Campaign, which aims to promote railway safety, to promote safe use of this crossing.
