The Parish Council is receiving more evidence of problems caused by the level crossings in Shepreth. As was predicted by the Parish Council, the changes to the Meldreth Road Level Crossing, which Network Rail claimed were carried out for reasons of safety, appear to be causing very significant delays, with increased danger and inconvenience on the surrounding roads. It also appears that the problems at Shepreth Station Level Crossing, which have been a perennial problem since the new barriers were installed without notice or consultation in 2018, have worsened considerably.
Prior to the “upgrade” at the Meldreth Road Level Crossing, and following pressure from the Parish Council, Network Rail committed to maximise opening times at the gates, and agreed with Cambridge County Council (again following representations from the Parish Council) that it would monitor downtimes at both sets of barriers, and the resultant delays. The Parish Council has notified Network Rail of the delays this week, and will continue to do so on your behalf.
The Parish Council shares the annoyance and frustration felt by the local community at the recent delays. The Parish Council fought hard and expended considerable time and effort making representations to Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, the District Council, the County Council, the local Community Rail Partnership and other stakeholders, including our local MP, opposing the “upgrade” and asking the District Council and County Council to withdraw their consent to the scheme on the basis that there was no safety case for it (as confirmed by the Public Inquiry in April 2024). Sadly, despite those efforts, we were unsuccessful. However, we remain determined to hold Network Rail to its promise to minimise downtimes.
In order to assist us in that task, we would ask residents who are impacted by delays at the barrier to provide us with the following information:
(1) The date and time of any delays;
(2) The length of any delays;
(3) The number of cars and pedestrians effected; and
(4) Whether the delays have caused you to miss a train or an important appointment (such as a medical appointment) or have made you late for work;
Please send that information to parishclerk@sheprethparishcouncil.gov.uk, copying in Network Rail on Stephen.Deaville@networkrail.co.uk.
We will ensure that all incidents are reported to the County Council and to Network Rail.