Residents who will be affected by plans to close a Coventry level crossing are to be given the chance to make their views known ahead of a public inquiry next month.

A meeting has been called by Coventry City Council to give people living near the Canley level crossing the chance to have their say.

Railtrack want to close the crossing along with those at Tile Hill and Berkswell stations to allow more trains to use the mainline running between Birmingham, Coventry and London.

While a road bridge has been proposed – and is vigorously opposed by residents – in Tile Hill, Railtrack are suggesting closing Canley Road to traffic.

Instead a bridge would allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the railway line.

The council is to hold a meeting in St Barbara’s church hall in Rochester Road, Earlsdon at 7.30pm on Tuesday 13 March to give residents a chance to have their say.

The council, along with transport body Centro, has opposed the plans at Canley, but wants to get the views of other people before the three-month public inquiry into the scheme starts in April.

A spokesman said:

“The meeting is aimed at giving local people the chance to express their views on Railtrack’s proposals, as the results from previous consultations in the area produced a fairly equal split between supports and opponents to the Canley proposal.”

Some people favour the idea because it would reduce the amount of traffic driving through Earlsdon.

SEE: [28 MAR 00] RAILTRACK RAPPED OVER CROSSING PLANS