AFTER three years of fierce campaigning by those for and against, Network Rail has announced it will not be closing Sheet level crossing.

Despite being identified by the railway regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, as being high risk, safety concerns have had to be set aside.

Network Rail will though be replacing the half barriers by full barriers “in due course”.

In an attempt to draw up proposals to close and replace the level crossing with alternative access, Network Rail has consulted with Sheet Parish Council, Steep Parish Council, the South Downs National Park Authority, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council.

In a referendum last summer 67 per cent of 525 Sheet villagers voted to keep the crossing open.

“We have been unable to agree a solution that would achieve planning approval, so we will not be proceeding with the closure and replacement of the crossing with a ramped footbridge,” explained Network Rail’s project sponsor Alex Boatfield.

“We recognise that local residents who supported the scheme will be disappointed by this news.

“We share their disappointment as Network Rail has spent a significant amount of time and effort trying to find a solution to mitigate the risk at this level crossing, yet this has not been forthcoming.

“Although closure is not currently possible, Network Rail would like to improve the safety at Sheet level crossing for its users, in particular the school children who use it, so we will upgrade the half barriers to full barriers in due course.”

Claire McCutcheon of The Harrow Inn at Steep said “common sense had prevailed.”

She campaigned against closure, gathering hundreds of names on a petition. “I am surprised, because I thought closure was a done deal, but I am delighted,” she said.

Safety campaigners though were concerned that pupils at the nearby Sheet Primary School were being put at risk.

The level crossing had been identified as being of great concern due to its proximity to the school. The crossing had the 17th highest risk score of 345 level crossings on the Wessex route, according to Network Rail.