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Train users angry at no path to new station
BLOCKED OFF: Buckshaw Village resident Paul Thomas with Coun Mark Perks at the locked gate at the station
Angry travellers are demanding a pedestrian access to Buckshaw Village’s new railway station.
Buckshaw Parkway opened in October, and bosses recently revealed that more than 2,000 passengers are using the station every week.
But residents are complaining after being forced to drive to the station.
Initial plans for the station included a gate and public footpath from Central Avenue to the car park, but the land outside the station has not been developed yet.
It is owned by Redrow, and the gate is locked because Network Rail and Northern Rail say it is unsafe for members of the public to walk through there.
Commuters are desperate for a path connecting the station to Euxton Lane and Central Avenue, because they currently have to trek through Buckshaw Avenue, Ordnance Way and Station Way.
Coun Mark Perks said: “It’s ridiculous. The station is such a success, and this is the one thing holding it back.
“Residents from Euxton and Astley Village and adult students from Runshaw College are finding it means a lengthy walk, which forces them to make car journeys, even when they’re not coming from very far away.
“It’s putting a lot of pressure on the 200-space car park.”
Resident Paul Thomas said: “The project team clearly appreciated the importance of attracting pedestrians to use the station.
“It’s just a pity that the developers do not understand the urgent needs of the local community”.
The Buckshaw Village Community Association posted on its website: “The gate is closed for health and safety reasons, as the area outside the gate has yet to be developed by the land owners.
“However, the intention is to open up the gate once the area has been landscaped, with pathways and any necessary lighting installed by the developers.”
A spokesperson for Redrow said: “The footpath will form part of the last phase of residential development at Buckshaw Village.
“A planning application for this part of the site is being prepared at present, and will be submitted to the council in due course.”
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Weather for Leyland
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
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Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
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jkatblues
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 05:27 PMwish I could catch the train at Midge Mall along with a lot of other people around the moss side area, the train stops there anyhow to collect safety key.
Duckster
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:25 PMI am failing to see how Buckshaw Village residents can't walk to the station but have to drive?? Just walk on the tarmac'd road either side of Tesco. Granted, if you want to go to the business park on the opposite site of the railway then that can be a bit of a trek, but Buckshaw Village residents have nothing to complain about.
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