Two railway footpath crossings that have been regular targets for anti-social behaviour are to be closed for a further two years, following a decision by Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee.
Orders to close the Brickfields crossing, linking Brickfields Park to Astwood Road, and the Kays crossing, linking Bromyard Road to Laugherne Brook Nature Reserve, have been in place since September 2023 and will now run to 2028.
Network Rail has identified ongoing safety concerns at both crossings, including incidents of trespass, vandalism, objects being throw at trains, near misses involving pedestrians and trains, and a fatal collision at the Kays crossing in 2019. Longer term, Network Rail is hoping to close both crossings permanently.
The City Council has now agreed to make Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that will temporarily close the two crossings.
The decision was made after public consultations showed support for the continued closure of both crossings. 62% of respondents to the Kays crossing consultation backed the closure, while 54% of people who took part in the Brickfields Walk consultation wanted to see it remain closed.
West Mercia Local Police have also given their support to both closures, particularly of the Kays crossing.
Councillor Jabba Riaz, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee said: “I am very pleased that both the public and the committee have supported the continued temporary closure of these two crossings.
“While this will cause inconvenience for some people, it’s important that the safety of the public – both pedestrians using these crossings, and passengers and crew on the trains – is given priority.
“In both locations, there are other nearby footpaths that people are already used to using.
“Longer term, I hope Network Rail can get permission for both these crossings to close permanently.”
Network Rail intends to apply to Worcestershire County Council to permanently close both railway crossings. That process is expected to take 18 months.
