Is Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Transport for Wales attempting to close the
Public Right of Way at Abercwmboi and rail crossing at Bruce’s Fields by
stealth?
Because of the electrifying of the rail line in Cynon Valley at Bruce’s Fields Abercwmboi and other rail crossings have been closed temporarily for construction the closure is expected to be in operation during the following dates, or until such time as the works have been completed the dates provided for Footpath 21 were 16th April to 28th June 2023. Therefore the original plan in November 2922 and details of reopening different? It was the original intention not to reopen but to close this historical rail crossing and Public Right of Way, so why leave any objections until now for the closure notices to be made public? Why the proposed closure has not been advertised by the council together with Transport for Wales of the intended closure of this crossing.
Below is taken from FB
“Transport for Wales have put in a proposal to permanently close the railway crossing at ‘The Lodge, Glenboi’. This has been a right of way since as long as I can remember and is also used by school children, dog walkers to access the nature reserve and people visiting Mountain Ash hospital for convenience on a daily basis.
The notice pictured has been strategically placed in Peace Park that is currently inaccessible on foot from this side of the tracks due to the ongoing works.
If anyone would like to object please email countryside@rctcbc.gov.uk and voice your concers. The postal address is also I’m my pictures.”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212207052180966/user/1356495299/
As can be seen from the notice program of work below the rail crossing was always intended to be reopened but Section 5-13 contradicts so again why is this council allowing this proposed closing of a public right of way to happen?
If you believe because it is Cynon Valley and the council just don’t want to upkeep the public right of way and rail crossing make your feelings and objections to the closing or termination of the crossing known to the leader of the council Andrew Morgan or through the Director of Legal Services its his name on the original legal notice, you can also contact the Jason Bragg Jason.Bragg@rctcbc.gov.uk Countryside & Rights of Way Officer
CVL Network A G5 Notice of Intended Scope for the Transformation Programme 28 November 2022
Section 5-13 Bruce’s Upper, Glenboi, level crossing will be closed and replaced with alternative means.
Footpaths 21 and 22 Mountain Ash
That part of Footpath 21 Mountain Ash crossing the Pontypridd Aberdare railway line, known as Bruce’s Upper-Level Crossing (NGR ST 03447 99690)
That part of Footpath 22 Mountain Ash crossing the PontypriddAberdare railway line adjacent to Fernhill Railway Station, known as Glenboi Level Crossing (BRG ST 03625 99557)
During the period of the closure, members of the public are advised that a shuttle bus service will operate to coincide with the train timetable.
This service will be under continuous review to ensure that the local communities’ needs are being met.
The closure is necessary because of the likelihood of danger to the public and to safeguard path users while major railway infrastructure improvement works are undertaken as part of the electrification and modernisation of the Core Valley Lines.
Access for emergency services WILL NOT be maintained
The closure is expected to be in operation during the following dates, or until such time as the works have been completed
• From 00:01 hours on Sunday 16th April to 28th June 2023
Dated 14 April 2023Andrew Wilkins the Director of Legal Services The Pavilions, Cambrian Park, Clydach Vale, CF40 2XX
The historical rail crossing at Abercwmboi known as Bruce’s Crossing originally opened on the Taff Vale Railway Company rail line that opened on 6th August 1846 The rail crossing and Duffryn Crossing Platform were constructed for use by the Bruce family who resided in Duffren house
