South East MEP Sharon Bowles calls for Wokingham railway bridge to be built (Sharon Bowles MEP)

Sharon Bowles MEP <info@sharonbowles.org.uk>

South East MEP Sharon Bowles calls for Wokingham railway bridge to be built

February 19, 2010 1:30 PM

Sharon Bowles MEP (right) and PPC Prue Bray (left) at Barkham Road level crossing

Euro MP Sharon Bowles met with Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Prue Bray, this week to discuss Airtrack's proposals to build a new Terminus at Heathrow, which will result in four more trains an hour passing through Wokingham.

An increase in train traffic would cause significantly longer delays for car drivers at the Barkham Road level crossing, which is situated on the main route through Wokingham.

Local Lib Dems are campaigning for a road bridge to be built over the level crossing.

Sharon Bowles said:

"Having campaigned in Wokingham, I have seen just how busy the Barkham Road crossing can get.

"While I welcome a better service to Heathrow, a bridge needs to be built over the level crossing so that cars are not left stranded for long periods of time waiting for trains to pass.

"I feel strongly that Wokingham residents should not have to suffer the consequences of Heathrow's expansion.

"It is time for the Tory council to consider the impact an increase in train traffic will have on the town - congestion through Wokingham is bad enough as it is.

A public inquiry is to be launched in the autumn by the Department for Transport.

ENDS