At our recent consultation a number of residents
expressed concern that the level crossing on the New River path had been closed as this provides a beautifully scenic walk to Ware in addition to a great circular from Kingsmead to Chadwell Spring (back along the footpath through Little Mead.)
We found out that the intention was to permanently close the level crossing, as opposed to improving the safety and as a result we prepared this open letter to the CEOs of both Network Rail and Thames Water to ask that Network Rail reconsider this decision.
We know that the closure was as a result of a tragic accident and we do not want this to be forgotten. However, numerous levels crossings used to exist between the New River Path and Little Mead which were gradually closed in the past twenty years.
There are two remaining pedestrian level crossings on the meads; one to allow the New River path to be walked and another on the Right of Way. We understand that the latter is to be upgraded and reopened later this summer but the current plan for the New River Path level crossing is permanent closure.
This crossing is important because the layout of the river and ditches means that there is a significant diversion as the access is barred by the various water courses. While the crossing is not in Kingsmead it provides access to a number of routes used by many people in Kingsmead.
Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust had just been about to open three new signposted walks across the meads; two of which used the New River Path level crossing so all of their work would be negated if the crossing were to remain closed.
We are going to await the response to our open letter and will let you know if there's any further actions planned if the crossing remains scheduled for closure.
