Greens join row over rail crossings

A Green Party campaigner has criticised Network Rail saying the money used to close crossings in Suffolk could be spent more wisely elsewhere.

Green campaigner, and Needham Market Town Councillor Terence Carter says the town’s station needs investment as it doesn’t have a ticket machine or toilets and lacks level access to the Ipswich-bound platform. The criticism comes just a week after the rail company agreed to reconsider building a stepped footbridge over the Gipsy Lane crossing in the town.

He said: Most people in Needham want to see a better quality station with improving rail services, and that community priority should rank above the desire of commuters to get from Norwich to London in 90 minutes. If Network Rail have big money to spend, then let’s improve the station, not build bridges against local opposition.”

A Network Rail spokesman said the firm had recently issued its Anglia Route Study for consideration.

He said “The consultation period will last for 90 days and will close on February 3, 2015.

“ We’d ask that anyone with ideas or comments on how to improve send an email to AngliaRouteStudy@networkrail.co.uk”

The study can be viewed at www.networkrail.co.uk/long-term-planning-process/anglia-route-study