Fisherman's Path railway crossing bridge delayed again, where Liverpool graduate died after bein

Yasmin Jones, 22, knocked down and killed at a level crossing in Formby

Network Rail says safety work on line between Ainsdale and Freshfield will not start until the summer

Plans to build a new footbridge at Fisherman's Path level crossing where a Liverpool graduate died after being struck by a train have been delayed.

Network Rail was due to install the bridge, between Freshfield and Ainsdale stations, this spring but has now said the work is more likely to take place during the summer instead.

Yasmin Jones, 22, was killed on the crossing last August while reportedly trying to rescue a dog that had wriggled beneath the crossing gates.

Formby MP Bill Esterson has called for delays to the works to be kept to “an absolute minimum”.

An email from Network Rail to the MP read: “As you know, Network Rail had ideally wanted to get Fisherman’s Path level crossing closed and replaced with a stepped footbridge by spring 2015. However, this timescale is now looking unlikely. We now think summer 2015 is more likely.

“We have run into delays in the planning process, specifically involving ecological surveys, questions about accessibility and land ownership issues.”

Mr Esterson and Formby councillor Nina Killen have lobbied the rail firm for safety improvements at the crossing.

He said: “I am sure installing a footbridge is never going to be a straight forward piece of work. The logistics must be extremely difficult. But we are talking about public safety here.

“Following the tragic accident last year, Cllr Killen and I contacted Network Rail to urge them to make sure that a bridge was installed sooner rather than later. We met with representatives of the company and they confirmed that they would bring the work forward to spring this year.

“So the delays confirmed this week are a real set back. They are a set back that we can not afford given the concerns about the existing crossing and the events of last year.”

Before the death of Yasmin, a drama graduate at Liverpool John Moores University who worked at the Caledonia pub in Liverpool city centre, Network Rail had already identified Fisherman’s Path level crossing as in need of replacement.

The company had found dangers at the spot due to the high footfall, particularly during the summer period, and the location of the crossing itself. As the crossing is sited near to a bend from the Southport end, it was found that pedestrians have just eight seconds from seeing a train to get across.

The danger is increased because when the wind is blowing in a certain direction pedestrians can’t hear an oncoming train.

Cllr Killen said: “We have had countless meetings with Network Rail about this issue and with residents as we try and find a solution that suits everyone.”

Mr Esterson added: “Delays need to be kept to an absolute minimum. I have contacted Network Rail to urge them to ensure that they deal with any red tape promptly.

“I have even offered my services in contacting anyone who may be a stumbling block to find a swift way forward.

“Everyone wants to see safety at the crossing improved and I am willing to do anything I can to make sure we get those improvements sooner, rather than later.”

Story and Photo Source: Liverpool Echo