Following increasing concern about an extinguishment order by Network Rail and a prolonged battle by local campaigners to reopen the path, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has written to Conwy County Borough Council to ask that the authority rejects the application for closure.
In 2019, Planning Inspectorate Wales took the decision that there remains a public right of way at the railway crossing at Warren Drive/Glan y Mor Road. Commenting on the new extinguishment order, Janet said:
“As I have outlined in my letter to the local authority, this application from Network Rail is a considerable blow for the community as we worked tirelessly to see the definitive map for the area amended so that it includes a public footpath in a place where it was proven that the crossing was and is a public right of way.
“Residents will recall our hard fought and collaborative battle to get this path reopened, having myself argued in favour of the path at the inquiry. It remains a fantastic example of democracy in action that I do not wish to see squandered without doing everything possible to ensure that the crossing is safe.
“This crossing has been used for centuries. Whilst appreciating Network Rail’s statutory duties to uphold the safe and efficient operation of the railway, and in sharing their wish for the safety of the public, I must note that I am not aware of a single fatality at this crossing whilst it was open.
“Rather than enforcing a long-term closure of the crossing, I share in the local belief that Network Rail should instead find an innovative solution, such as a bridge or subway. With climate change remaining one of the greatest challenges of our time, we cannot be seen to close those routes which facilitate local active travel. The rail sector should remember that the path was there long before trains.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS at the Deganwy crossing.
