News

NETWORK Rail has agreed to put £2m towards the cost of new footbridge in the town centre if it is built by March 2019 - meaning Jumble Lane crossing will close.

The idea to shut the town centre railway crossing and replace it with a pedestrian bridge was suggested when the town centre regeneration scheme was revealed in 2013.

Negotiations have been ongoing between the council and Network Rail for several years and the project will move a step closer when councillors are asked to approve the £5m structure tomorrow (Wednesday, October 4).

However, the ruling cabinet will be told Network Rail has agreed to part fund the project - but on the condition the bridge is completed by March 31, 2019.

The new bridge will act as a ‘gateway’ into the town, taking people from Market Gate car park into the heart of the new £130m Glass Works scheme, meaning the level crossing would be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for good.