Answers sought over barrier failings

Calls have been made for Network Rail to publicly answer questions about barrier failings at Newark Castle Station.

The chairman of Nottingham-shire County Council, Mrs Sue Saddington, is seeking answers over the impact on traffic in the town.

She wants Network Rail to attend a public meeting in light of the latest barrier failure on Wednesday of last week, when engineers had to manually raise the barriers to keep traffic flowing.

Mrs Saddington, also district councillor for Muskham Ward, wrote to Network Rail’s communications director Mr Nick Sandham asking: “Where are the apologies and explanations to the general public and businesses?

“What action is Network Rail taking to ensure this does not happen again?”

Last week’s incident follows a string of previous barrier failures at Newark Castle after signalling on the Lincoln to Nottingham line was automated more than a year-and-a-half ago.

Some of the country’s top rail engineers worked to fix the problems at Newark.

There was also a fact-finding mission from the head of the national rail regulator, Mr Ian Prosser, chief inspector of railways, so lessons could be learnt.

Commenting on the impact of last week’s incident, Mrs Saddington said: “Traffic built up from the north, south, east and west, totally blocking the town on one of the busiest days of the week, market day.

“Newark is grid-locked most days, making movement around the town and beyond extremely difficult, but for the barriers to stay closed in addition to the normal chaos we experience on a daily basis is just unbelievable.

“The problem was compounded by a serious accident on the A1, which resulted in its closure for much of the day.

“It is not unusual that the A1 was closed. This happens on a regular basis.

“It is either closed or traffic stands in a long queue trying to access the sliproads.

“I recognise the A1 congestion and closures are not within your remit, but I want to set the picture as to the chaos.”

She urged a contingency plan for such eventualities.

“There are more trains on the Nottingham line, which one could consider is an improvement, however, little consideration appears to have been given to the impact more frequent barrier closures would have on our communities and businesses, not to mention those going to work and shop in Newark.

“When Network Rail decided to upgrade the Nottingham line with automated barriers, we were told it would be an improvement.

“I think drivers in and around Newark may be of a different opinion.”

Mrs Saddington said she had been asked by her parishes for a public meeting with Network Rail so explanations could be given.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “On July 18 a fault with a barrier at Newark Castle level crossing was reported at 10.40am.

“Engineers worked quickly to replace the faulty part and normal service resumed at 12.30pm.

“This was a one-off isolated incident.

“Network Rail has worked hard over recent years to improve reliability of the level crossings in the area to reduce the number of such incidents.

“We will look to see if there are any further measures we can put in place to further enhance our maintenance programme.

“We apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced.”