THE CONTROVERSIAL closure of a footway over a busy rail line at Buriton has been confirmed by a government inspector after a three day public inquiry.

Peter Millman of The Planning Inspectorate also said that a suggested footbridge over the line at the same point as the footway wasn’t practicable as it would cost about £1.7m according to Network Rail.

The public inquiry was held in Buriton village hall, just yards away from the crossing of the London to Portsmouth line, which averages about 137 trains a day.

The footpath to the crossing goes through Buriton recreation ground, and past public tennis courts, both popular with children heard the inquiry, which began on Tuesday, December 13.

In announcing his decision last month, Mr Millman said: “If use (of the line) continued at recorded levels the crossing might be reasonably safe for careful, responsible adults, but not for children and vulnerable users.

“I conclude that there are no reasonable cost-effective ways available to deal with the issue of safety of Buriton crossing other than closing it.”

During the inquiry the inspector heard claims by objectors to the closure, including Buriton Parish Council, that the crossing was safe and as it was used by about 14 people a day there was a need for it, and it should remain open.

He also heard objectors say that in the 162 year history of the crossing there hadn’t been one recorded fatality or injury accident on it.

But Mr Millman also heard that while some parents felt safe using the crossing, most didn’t consider it safe for unaccompanied children to use

In his decision report Mr Millman said: “I accept there have been no reported injuries or fatalities at the crossing in the past 162 years.

“But the level of risk of an accident may currently be much greater than it was in the past.

“I conclude that many local people, even if they object to the closure order being confirmed, do not consider the crossing to be reasonably safe to all users.”

On the last day of the inquiry, Mr Millman visited the crossing and stood there while a train went past; afterward he said it had made him aware of the safety hazard as the train went past about a metre away.

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