Work to upgrade Ashtead to involve closures this summer

After repeated breakdowns and lobbying from residents and local representatives last year, Network Rail has agreed to bring forward refurbishment of the level crossing in Woodfield Lane.

David Baker, from Ashtead Residents’ Association, said: "It’s great. Everybody is in favour of the crossing being upgraded and brand new equipment."

In an update to constituents, Chris Grayling, who is seeking re-election as Epsom's Conservative MP, said the work will start this summer and involve a number of closures.

He said: "It will be a pain while the work is done, but hopefully when it is finished the breakdowns of the last few years will be a thing of the past."

Hundreds of people live in the rail-locked part of Ashtead Common and the level crossing is the only way for drivers to get out.

During construction work, Network Rail have guaranteed emergency services will have access at all times and it plans to run a shuttle bus service.

A Network rail spokeswoman said: "The work will be carried out over a number of weekends to minimise the disruption to residents and users of the crossing.

"Whilst we are carrying out the upgrades vehicles will not be able to use the crossing, though we will have measures in place to ensure emergency vehicles and those residents north of the crossing can still get across."

Councillor John Northcott, who represents Ashtead Common on Mole Valley Council, said Network Rail plans to replace the hardware and electrics of the level crossing.

He said: "Everybody will be totally relieved when we have a reliable level crossing that doesn’t break down.

"There’s a lot of goodwill despite the fact there will be a few occasions when access is going to have to be closed for short periods."

For the weekend closure dates visit www.ashteadresidents.org.uk/level-crossing-failure-friday-27th-september/194-level-crossing-upgrade