PEOPLE living in Ashford Bowdler have won a battle to stop having their village cut in half.

Network Rail has decided to upgrade and improve safety at Ashford Bowdler Level Crossing.

The upgrade, which will see the current half barriers replaced by full barriers, is part of a £75 million project to modernise the railway between Newport and Shrewsbury, with new signalling technology installed along the route.

This was one of a number of possibilities that the company explored in order to improve safety at the crossing.

The decision to proceed with the upgrade was taken following a consultation exercise with the local community.

As well as the upgrade option, Network Rail also explored the possibility of closing the crossing which would have effectively cut the small village in half.

Network Rail held a public meeting in Ashford Bowdler at the beginning of January to present the options and listen to the views of the community.

Local residents made it clear that they wanted to retain the level crossing and their preference was for the crossing to be upgraded.

“We are developing a £75 million project to modernise the railway between Newport and Shrewsbury with new signalling technology installed along the route,” said Christine Booth, operations risk manager with Network Rail.

“As part of this scheme, we are looking at how we can reduce risk at level crossings in this area.

“There are a number of options available to improve safety, including upgrade and closure. It’s really important that the community have their say on the options and we will always take their views on board.

“After meeting with the community in Ashford Bowdler, we have decided upgrading the crossing is the best option to balance the need of improving safety with the concerns of local residents if the crossing was downgraded or closed.”

Network Rail is committed to improving safety at level crossings, through its closure programme and public information campaigns.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne who supported villagers welcomed the decision to install a full barrier crossing.

“This is a really positive outcome for Ashford Bowdler residents,” said the MP.

"Ashford Bowdler is a conservation village which has had a crossing for approximately 150 years. In that time there have been no accidents, so the argument Network Rail put forward about improving safety did not stack up.

"Closing the crossing would have effectively cut the village in half, and forced motorists to turn onto a busy corner in order to get around.

"As soon as the possibility of closure was announced, I fought with local residents to maintain the level crossing. The whole village was united behind keeping it open, and I am pleased Network Rail has decided to respect their wishes.”

Members of the public are urged to report any near-misses or issues with level crossings to Network Rail’s helpline on 08457 11 41 41.