Concern as 'dangerous' Oxfordshire level crossing stays open

Network Rail, which owns the nation's railway tracks, had been looking to close the crossings between Kidlington and Yarnton as part of a national programme to shut those with a high-risk of incidents or fatalities.

But the authority announced earlier this week the decision had been deferred because the "anticipated growth in the use of freight trains has not yet materialised".

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Yarnton Lane and Sandy Lane.

The Sandy Lane level crossing sits on a fast-straight section of track between Oxford and Banbury and is well-used by shoppers heading to Yarnton Garden Centre.

Opponents said Network Rail had never counted the traffic using the level crossing, nor made any assessment of the impact the closure of Sandy Lane would have on locals accessing key facilities.

Green Kidlington councillor Ian Middleton suggested he did not take a strong position either way as to whether he thought the crossings should close or remain open.

He added: "Everyone's been working on the basis it would be closed.

Ian Middleton. (Image: Cherwell District Council.)

"This throws plans up in the air and leaves everything in limbo.

"We need clarity from Network Rail.

"This is almost the worst of both worlds.

"I don't believe it's just never going to close - I imagine going into the next of couple of years the discussions will start again.

"It's a bit early to be celebrating."

The comments around celebrating come after Cherwell Liberal Democrat councillor Lesley McLean shared her relief at Network Rail's deferral announcement.

Lesley McLean. (Image: Cherwell District Council.)

Ms McLean said: "This decision follows many years of campaigning by Kidlington Councillors to keep this vital inter-village road link open, and to support much needed vehicular connectivity for the residents and businesses of Kidlington, Yarnton and Begbroke.

"Liberal Democrat councillors are now in discussions with Oxfordshire County Council to establish a planned and monitored approach to traffic use of Sandy Lane over the coming years."

In 2021, a petition against the closure of the Sandy Lane level crossing amassed 2,000 signatures after three parish councils wrote a letter calling for a proper assessment before any closure as residents were "extremely concerned".

Sandy Lane level crossing.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Our plans to close Sandy Lane and Yarnton Lane level crossings have been deferred as the anticipated growth in the use of freight trains has not yet materialised owing to the current economic circumstances following the pandemic.

"We will continue to monitor freight demand through this corridor over the coming years to establish when the closure of these level crossings is required.

“The frequency of freight trains at these locations remains unchanged; users of the level crossings should make sure that they’re following the signage and not taking any risks so that they remain safe at all times.”

Mr Middleton said he also took issue with Network's Rail communication on the closure saying they "didn't even tell me (about the deferral)" but had told the parish council.

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi