THURROCK MP Jen Craft and local councillor Aaron Green have asked for an investigation into issues with Purfleet-on-Thames level crossing.
This follows reports of extended periods of closure at the level crossing, which is causing significant delays and disruption for the town’s residents.
The crossing, which is important connection at the heart of Purfleet-on-Thames, has been a source of concern for some time. Residents have reported numerous incidents where the barriers have been down for an extended period, including a 45-minute closure during the morning school run.
After receiving complaints, borough MP Jen Craft and Purfleet-on-Thames Councillor Aaron Green are calling for action to reduce disruption for residents.
The local Labour politicians have written jointly to both Network Rail and the Rail Minister, seeking answers about the extended closures and asking for action to reduce avoidable closures.
Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, said:
“The crossing is a vital connection for local residents, and I know the issues it causes for families trying to go about their day.
“Safety on the rail network is vital, but there doesn’t seem be a clear reason for these long periods with the barriers down.
“That’s why we’ve asked for answers about what’s causing these extended closures, to do everything possible to avoid unnecessary time with the barriers shut.”
Councillor Aaron Green said:
“I have personally been stuck there for 20 minutes in the past. Residents understand that the barriers will be down for periods to allow trains to pass, but these extended closures seem pointless when there is often nothing coming for long periods of time.
“We need action now, and we also need the regeneration project to be restarted by the administration so that we can finally secure a bridge over the crossing and provide a long-term solution for residents.”
Same applies to the Grays High Street pedestrian crossing. Sometimes the barriers go down & trains pass, then stay down but nothing passes for another 10 – 15 mins. If we’d had the long promised underpass (which now seems to be a dead duck) this wouldn’t be an issue.