Students successfully campaign for improved safety measures at crossing where friend died
Jakub Trybull at the Corondale Road levelcrossing with campaign posters. Picture: MARK ATHERTON - Credit: Archant
A campaign group has been successful in its efforts to see improved safety measures at a level crossing following the death of one of their friends.
Jakub Trybull at the Corondale Road levelcrossing with campaign posters. Picture: MARK ATHERTON - Credit: Archant
The Movement student group called for improvements at several pedestrian rail crossings in Weston and Worle, including Corondale Road near Weston Milton railway station.
Evie Wright died aged 15 at the Corondale crossing in March 2018.
MORE: Proposed footbridge where teenager died was never built.
Her inquest last year revealed plans to build a footbridge over the track where she was struck by a train, which had been in the pipeline for almost 20 years.
The Movement youth pressure group posters at the Corondale Road levelcrossing. Picture: MARK ATHERTON - Credit: Archant
The path was proposed as part of the Locking Castle Development Plan and there was a requirement for the developer, Persimmon Homes, to build a bridge at the Corondale level crossing.
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However, due to legal wrangles this never happened, despite the plan being approved in 2000.
Members of The Movement met with North Somerset Council, Network Rail and Persimmon on Wednesday.
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Plans for shorter crossing distances, an audible and light warning system which would signal when it is unsafe to cross, improved signs could be implemented by April 2021.
Jakub Trybull at the Corondale Road levelcrossing with campaign posters. Picture: MARK ATHERTON - Credit: Archant
A working group has been set up with the goal of installing the footbridge by 2024.
MORE: Inquest into Evie's death.
Group leader Jakub Trybull was pleased the campaigning paid off.
He said: "It was huge for us personally, it was huge for our campaign and awareness, but most importantly, it was immense for striving to realise our dream.
"The road to get to this point was without a doubt long and tough, but it has now reached an end.
"We now have dedicated project teams in all three organisations, focusing precisely on ensuring that our crossings will be improved.
"We dedicate our campaign to our most genuine friend, Evie and I pray our work will offer her and her family the peace and justice that they deserve. She is always in our memory."
Network Rail estimates the cost of a footbridge will be £4.4million.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "While Corondale level crossing meets our safety standards, we are keen to continue working to close this level crossing and replace it with a fully accessible footbridge."
A Persimmon Homes spokesman added: "An action plan is being brought forward with short-term and long-term objectives."
