Representation by Andrea Margaret Collingridge
- Date submitted
- 18 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
It deeply concerns me to see the considerable queues of traffic backing up from the railway line in Narborough when the line is down as the village provides a thoroughfare to destinations on the southern boundary of Leicester. Queues can extend back to the dual carriageway and well along Riverside Way in Littlethorpe. Cars in the queue may, during rush hour, be held up a long time whilst up to three trains are scheduled through before the gates are raised. Rail traffic has increased considerably over the years and any further increase in rail freight will inevitably increase these queues. For those who live in the village the environment is adversely affected not just in visual impact but by the inevitable pollution from running engines. It is not only cars that are culpable but delivery vehicles to local businesses. During the morning rush hour many small children walk or travel in pushchairs from Littlethorpe to the schools and nurseries in Narborough, past stationary vehicles with running engines. There could easily be long term consequences for their health from the fumes. The discomfort for anyone with lung conditions is exacerbated by poor air quality. We avoid using the front garden where possible as we overlook the junction to Station Road about 150 yards from the railway line and we feel we must keep the front windows closed. A further very real concern arise from the delays encountered by emergency vehicles, particularly ambulances, when the line is down. They use this route from the nearby ambulance station, through Narborough, to reach neighbouring villages as it is the most direct route when time is of the essence.