The Brookside crossing in Dinas Powys closed on June 26 after a safety assessment by Network Rail deemed it an unacceptable risk to users.
Located at Eastbrook Station on the Vale of Glamorgan line, the crossing was used by around 217 people each day, more than 56 per cent of whom are considered vulnerable, including older adults, families with young children, and those with limited mobility.
A petition calling for its reopening has since been launched, with campaigners arguing that its closure forces residents to take longer and potentially more hazardous routes.
The petition states: “The Brookside foot crossing has been a part of our daily lives, enabling our residents, including the elderly and children, to access essential services and communal spaces safely and efficiently.
“Its closure forces residents to take significantly longer and more dangerous routes, which is especially concerning for those with mobility issues.”
Network Rail said the closure followed a safety assessment that deemed it necessary, despite the introduction of a temporary 10mph speed restriction for passing trains.
A spokesperson for the rail operator said the crossing posed “an unacceptable level of risk to many users” and stressed that public safety was paramount.
The spokesman said: “The safety of the public is always our top priority, and the decision to place an emergency closure at Brookside footpath level crossing was not taken lightly.
“As part of our rigorous level crossing risk assessment process, the crossing was identified as presenting an unacceptable level of risk to many users.
“We cannot ignore those findings or continue to expose people to a level of risk that is not acceptable.”
In the interim, members of the public are being directed to alternative routes, including the Murch Lane road bridge and the stepped footbridge at Eastbrook Station, while Network Rail explores longer-term options.
Campaigners have also questioned the legality of the closure.
In response, Network Rail said the decision was made “in accordance with the legal powers available to us to implement an emergency closure where there is an immediate safety concern, following the appropriate legal, governance and notification processes, and in consultation with the relevant local authority and council partners.”
The spokesperson added: “We understand this change is frustrating for some members of the community and appreciate the impact it has had.
“However, where there is a clear and immediate risk to public safety, we have a responsibility to act.
“We are continuing to explore longer-term options and will keep everyone updated as that work progresses.”
