Representation by Friends of Narborough Station (Friends of Narborough Station)
- Date submitted
- 21 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
We are concerned about the impact on the Level Crossing at Narborough, that the project will have. FONS has carried out timings at the crossing and with proposed additional passenger trains and freight trains over the next few years, in addition to the half mile long trains running to and from HNRFI, barrier down times will increase from the present 23 minutes to nearly 45 minutes. The impact on traffic in the surrounding village areas of Narborough, Littlethorpe , Cosby and Whetstone does not seem to be on anyone's agenda. The project will have a significant effect on the operation of both the South Leicestershire Line and the Midland Main Line, both of which suffer from both capacity and resilience issues today. As a recent example on Friday 28th April 2023, the 05.33 Hams Hall to Felixstowe South GBRF train came to a stand on the up line at Padge Hall Farm LC between Nuneaton and Hinckley with loss of power from the train. The line was closed to traffic from 06.00 until after 11.00, resulting in severe delays to thousands of passengers including students missing their exams. Resilience on the line is poor today and are any improvements planned for example; Bi Directional working, conversion to four aspect signalling, or the provision of refuges or passing loops. FONS has many more questions which so far have not been addressed, not just on the implications on the wider railway and the serious effect the delays at the level crossing at Narborough will have, but in all honesty will trains ever use the facility, bearing in mind the existing, proposed or planned nine similar such facilities within a 50 mile radius of Hinckley. We at FONS are grateful for the opportunity to comment again on the impact HNFRI will have and look forward to making our detailed thoughts known, as the consultation process continues. In conclusion FONS is strongly opposed to the implementation of HNFRI, and supports the widespread opposition to this proposal from the Leicestershire Parishes and all Action Groups, and hopes the Secretary of State will make the right decision and totally reject the application.