A WOMAN has called on Network Rail to make changes to the timings of the railway level crossing in town which she has described as an ‘accident waiting to happen’.
Julie Secker, 59 and her mum Sheila Swift, 78, were almost trapped on the Jumble Lane crossing on Kendray Street while heading back to the car after a shopping trip.
Julie said the warning sirens started to sound when they were two thirds of the way across but believes they were not given enough time to comfortably get across.
She said: “We heard the warning that the barriers were coming down but we didn’t think too much of it as we were almost across. I turned to help my mum but as I turned the barriers started to descend. We hurried as best we could. The barrier missed my mum by a couple of inches.”
Julie explained that the experience has shocked them both and they are now calling on Network Rail to review the timings.
She said: “It gave us all a scare, especially my mum. She is a slow walker but definitely not the slowest and the barrier definitely came down too quickly. I was mortified.
“I have contacted Network Rail but so far I have not received any correspondence. I really think that it needs to be extended as people with disabilities or mums with prams would really struggle.
“I’m just pleased we got out in time.”
Barnsley Council is set to remove the crossing in the spring and replace it with a pedestrian bridge. A planning report revealed Network Rail classes the crossing as a ‘potential danger to public safety’ and for this reason intended to close the crossing, regardless of the outcome of the council’s now-approved planning application for the bridge.
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “We are aware that users have raised concerns about the level crossing barriers at the Jumble Lane level crossing in Barnsley. The barriers at this crossing are monitored by a signaller, who will check that the crossing is clear before lowering the barriers. The audible alarm sounds to warn users that the barriers will soon be lowered. Anyone who hears the alarm and has not yet begun to enter the crossing area must not do so.
“Safety is Network Rail’s top priority. This level crossing will close in March 2019 and a temporary footbridge will be in place. We are working closely with Barnsley Council on their plans to build a permanent bridge.”
