'Why close the level crossing?'

CONCERN . . . David Wheeler on the pedestrian crossing at Moorgate in Uppermill

A CAMPAIGNING rail user group has come to the defence of a railway crossing used by country walkers.

Network Rail has started a statutory consultation to try to close Moorgate level crossing in Uppermill as a part of pre-electrification works on the Manchester/Leeds North TransPennine railway line.

After electrification, train speeds will be higher and there will be up to eight trains an hour each way compared with the current six.

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Network Rail is seeking to close level crossings when electrifying lines on safety and cost grounds.

Richard Knowles, Oldham's former mayor and transport expert who lives in Greenfield, is meeting Network Rail next month.

He said: "The Moorgate level crossing is on a long straight section of track so why do they have to close the crossing?

"The footpath from Moorgate is an important, well-used link. The nearest alternative is a long way around.

"If Network Rail refuses to reconsider, we must campaign for a replacement footbridge as happened in the 1990s near the old Saddleworth Station when a walker was killed on the level crossing."

Now Greenfield Rail Action Group has declared its opposition to the crossing closure and will seek support and advice from Oldham Ramblers and Oldham Council's footpath officer.

David Wheeler, a member of the rail action group, said: "The closure of this level crossing on grounds of reducing trains times will have no benefit to Saddleworth.

"We have to insist a footbridge replaces the existing crossing so this ancient right of way between Moorgate and Den Lane can continue. If Network Rail feels it needs to close this crossing in order to improve speed of express trains, a bridge should be put in place similar to the one at Butterhouses Dobcross.

"Rail passengers in Saddleworth are seeing their services decline with no compensation to local rail users. The access from Oldham Road to the station has been removed ­- and from December next year we are going to see a reduction in services while electrification takes place.

"It is the local rail users who suffer."

The user group meeting urged travellers to use a free manned car park at Saddleworth Rangers rugby ground near Greenfield Station.

This, it says, would alleviate snarl-up and parking problems on Chapel Road and Shaw Hall Bank Road.