CONCERNS that objections to the planned closure of a Saddleworth level crossing as part of a multi-billion pound rail project are being ignored have been eased.
Put simply, so many people have lodged their feelings about Moorgate Halt, bosses are struggling to log them.
And they have made clear that any that were sent after the closing date will still be registered.
The Transpennine Route Upgrade’s proposals for the Uppermill facility have attracted huge protests.
Documents stating the intention to close the footpath – 209 – it lies on and use another one nearby have been met with dismay.
Many feel a footbridge should be installed instead, but a Transport and Works Act Order submitted to the Secretary of State of Transport suggested that will not happen.
Documents supporting it state: “The existing Moorgate Halt level crossing connects Dark Lane and Ladcastle Road on the west of the railway with Moorgate Street and Den Lane on the east.
“It is approximately 200 metres north of the Wickens Underbridge and will be closed.
“To provide alternative access following the level crossing closure, the Footpath 244, which passes under Wickens Underbridge, will be upgraded in order to provide an alternative route for pedestrians to cross the railway line at this location following the removal of the level crossing.
“The footpath upgrades will include resurfacing, new steps, repairs to existing footpath features, regrading of land and the removal of vegetation which currently hinders access along the footpath.”
However, many people have voiced their opposition to that proposal and lodged objections with the Department for Transport by December 19.
A lack of acknowledgement, though, raised concerns they were not being noticed.
However, the Moorgate Footbridge Group has been told by the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit at the Department for Transport, the volume is causing delays.
In an email, a staff member states: “I am currently registering submitted representations.
“Due to the high volume we have received, it is taking longer to acknowledge receipt.
“Any representations received after the closing date will still be registered and acknowledged.”
A costing document has revealed the total of electrifying and updating the stretch of track between Stalybridge and Diggle, which passes through Saddleworth – almost £225 million.
That includes remodelling Greenfield Station to make it accessible on both platforms, while also installing new equipment on Saddleworth Viaduct and several bridge alterations so new trains can run along the line.
However, the prospect of the main A670 road being closed for months as the bridge at the station is replaced has raised fears from the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association.
In an email, it says the work ‘will cause chaos in Saddleworth for residents and those trying to make their way through. This will include all emergency services without any easy access around Saddleworth.’
It adds: “This will be caused by the closure of the bridge at Greenfield station for at least 20 weeks, giving no access to Uppermill along the normal main road.
“Diversions will go widely afield and many of them through the narrow back lanes.
“Normal bus traffic will be increased by the extra buses required to cover the closed railway and HGVs will be getting stuck everywhere.
“The objection is not to try and stop the work being done, but to try and get more consultation with the people whom it will affect – and the more objections received, the more likely that will be.”
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