Residents living near a Coventry level crossing that is due to be shut fear traffic chaos and a poor service will result from the closure unless Railtrack amends its proposals.

The road at Canley station is to be closed and replaced by a foot and cycle bridge under plans drawn up by Railtrack.

A public inquiry into the scheme is to be held next month, and people who would be affected by the closure met officers from Coventry City Council to discuss their views.

About 70 residents attended a meeting last night at St Barbara's church in Earlsdon.

Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member (Environmental Services) said better measures were needed to cope with the traffic that would spill onto other roads.

And he criticised Railtrack for failing to discuss other options with people in the city. He said:

"The overwhelming view to emerge from this meeting is that the city council is very much on the right track in seeking to get the best deal for residents from Railtrack at the forthcoming public inquiry to respond to peoples' concerns and worries."

"I want to make it quite clear that we are not going to accept the cheapest cost option and I am very disturbed about Railtrack's continued refusal to bring forward any proposal even at the eleventh hour.

“They seem to be working to a completely different timetable to anyone else."

There was virtually unanimous opposition to any vehicular bridge, with the best option felt to be the foot / cycle bridge. 

Full support from residents was given to press Railtrack for the following:

• Improvements to the design and location of a bridge
• Mitigation measures at junctions, to deal with traffic and assist pedestrians, particularly crossing Kenilworth Road and A45
• Guarantees of subsidised bus services to ensure continued accessibility to Earlsdon, Cannon Park and the city centre.

The inquiry into Railtrack's proposals will begin at the Posthouse Coventry, Hinckley Road, Walsgrave, on Tuesday 24 April and is expected to continue until Wednesday 6 June.

SEE: [09 MAR 01] LEVEL CROSSING CLOSURE PLANS TO BE DISCUSSED