Wood lane level crossing, Isleworth
Can't remember how many conversations I had with the civic centre and other people concerning this one, but as usual having taken the time and effort the situation has not changed and I must admit it really worries me.The railway crossing gates appear quite frail and in recent years appear to be subject to vandalisim. The crossing serves a very busy (major) 'walk to school' point for three primary schools, which means groups of school age children with mums and toddlers using the crossing. It is also used by teenagers at Isleworth & Syon and there is a pupil referral centre within 100 yards or so. My first concern (this was a couple of years ago) was when I found the crossing with one gate which didn't close properly, it was left suspended about 3 foot in the air. It would have been very easy for any child/teenager/adult to slip underneath and directly onto the rails which are immediately the other side of the barrier. It was mid afternoon and near to school closing time, and had probably been like that overnight. Other times some of the struts have been broken off (again probably overnight) leaving gaps which would be very enticing for a young child to slip through. I don't think my conversations have been unreasonable but maybe because of costs it isn't a subject anyone can grasp and deal with? I have ringing in my ears the response I received from a council official a few years ago where there were cars and small children mixing on a footpath. The official said that there wasn't an accident record for the site and until a child was killed they weren't prepared to do anything about it. (Hey! What customer service!)I had to ring 999 each time to ask that something be done as it was urgent. How many people with mobiles had gone passed that point that morning, do you think?*When there has been vandailsim it is important the matter is dealt with urgently because of the potential of there being a serious accident - surely?*There is no number or sign to ask people to ring if they notice anything - there should be don't you think?* Are these barriers sufficient to do the job now? They were designed and installed many years ago - would they install such a style these days? Is there an industry standard (or whatever)? Don't you think they are flimsey? Maybe their purpose is to indicate there is a rail line there and not to be an efficient barrier?One conversation with rail track I was told that they have people walking the line every day checking the rails and crossing points any gaps or vandalisim would be mended straight away...(?!)Yesterday I used the crossing as a pedestrian and the two gates on one side don't close together properly, they are still bent leaving a small gap inbetween. On the other side a strut has been broken and there is a gap a toddler could get through, and there are no numbers to ring to ask somebody take a look.
Sarah Felstead ● 7537d10 Comments