The government is being called upon to intervene in a longstanding dispute over a hazardous footpath crossing in the South Gloucestershire countryside near the village of Charfield. The contested footpath crosses the busy Bristol-Birmingham railway line, running from Poolfield Farm to New Street, but Network Rail has sought to close the official crossing.
For several years, the official public right of way has been closed, with walkers directed to a replacement “permissive path.” Recently, the South Gloucestershire public rights of way committee considered extinguishing the original footpath, which would also shut down the permissive alternative. Instead of making a final decision, the committee has referred the issue to the government, who may require Network Rail to build a safer alternative such as a tunnel or bridge.
Mark Rosher, chairman of Charfield Parish Council, highlighted the importance of the route: “Many residents use this path for exercise and as a vital connection between Charfield village and Huntingford hamlet. With limited active travel options in the area and ongoing development reducing open spaces, this path has become increasingly valuable. The cost to build a tunnel, while significant, is modest compared to the £34 million estimated for the new Charfield railway station.”
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The parish council also noted that the growing village population not only increases footpath usage but could contribute funding from property developers toward infrastructure improvements, including a tunnel beneath the railway embankment.
Conversely, Network Rail emphasizes safety concerns stemming from the increased population. James Audley of Network Rail stated, “The alternative permissive route is safer, more accessible, and supported by both Network Rail and South Gloucestershire Council. Given the scale of local development and funding constraints, the expense and complexity of constructing a bridge or tunnel are currently unjustifiable.”
This dispute has persisted for years. Network Rail previously dismissed tunnel or bridge options based on cost-benefit analysis conducted before Charfield’s recent growth. With the village’s expansion, there is renewed debate about the feasibility and necessity of safer crossing solutions.