CLOSED! London's ONLY open foot crossing is set to close!
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- Such sad and disappointing news. Network rail have given just over one weeks notice of the imminent closure of the Angerstein Wharf freight railway foot crossing on Saturday 13th April 2019, one of London's last surviving foot crossing. The crossing is located in Charlton in the London borough of Greenwich and is a used daily by people living around Fairthorn Road. The alternative route to Westcombe Park Station is to walk down Fairthorn Road, along the Woolwich Road and up Farmdale Road to the bridge crossing the A102.
UPDATE 12th April 2019: charltonchampi...
I filmed this crossing exactly one year ago in April 2018,
• RARE Alley to a railwa...
One year later, the crossing is going to be permanently closed!
Please sign the petition set up by Emily Norton here:
www.change.org...
and please leave your comments and thoughts below.
#angersteinwharf #footcrossing #networkrail
I find it bizarre that at the same time as getting rid of train level crossings for safety, we are putting in more and more tram networks - which are basically level crossings running the whole length of streets.
A tram is a lot easier to stop and has better visibility than a train.
appleintosh good point. I live in Manchester and I get the tram often
appleintosh try telling Alan Bradley that! 😉😉😂
@@SteveInskip Faked my mum and I saw him in Kendals soon afterwards.
It is interesting to compare how fenced in UK railways are to those abroad.
Gutted this was on my bucket list of places to visit when in London
same
Sarcasm implied ?
@@Malulbhai no
Me too
U must be really sad if this was on ur bucket list 😂
It looks like a pedestrian tunnel could be dug under that track easy enough, eliminating the stairs, and be safer.
but that would cost a hell of a lot of money for the government and with brexit coming up we’re going need all the help we can get, #dontbefoolish
Seems a bit unecessary because it's fine as it is
Whatever happened to common sense in this country.
John Dufton there has never been any.
That's what I always wondered about - why are there all those fences and lack of level crossings across the UK. Are the people considered to be a sheep unable to think for themselves? Is that because of a few unlucky ones or idiots who decided to jump under the train.. In Europe you can cross the tracks almost everywhere, it's up to you what you do with your life, simply put. And for the the majority of people with common sense - they cross carefully and do not walk on the railway.
Bike DXer the fences and gates go back to the early days of railways in the UK.they were, and are, intended to prevent animals and people from getting in the tracks and being killed or injured. Today the fences are there for the same purpose, but also to reduce thefts and vandalism.
In the parts of Europe I've travelled in they also have fences and hedges along railway lines, for the exact same purposes as in the UK.
Didn’t think that you could close a public right of way
Without providing an alternative route in this case a foot tunnel
Its why it’s called a public right of way because it was there before lord Agerstien built his branch line
Fight it !
TheAudiostud there is already an alternative public right of way with full disabled access, unlike here.
Yeah I thought the same they demolished a few streets in my city in the 60s and built a shopping centre on the area. They have to leave the centre doors open when the shops are closed as it's still classed as a right of way.
I’m not sure how it works in the UK, but in the US and Canada the railroads have an almost absolute power to do just that. They are the one big exception to those rules. If they wish to shut down a crossing it gets shut. It typically takes threats of actual violence ala torches, pitchforks and bad PR to get them to listen.
Andrew Taylor in the UK the railway infrastructure company will need to apply to the local council for permission to close any public right of way and must post notices in the local papers and at both ends of the stretch they wish to close for a set period as stated in the legislation governing rights of way. If they do this, then if there is a viable alternative route and no objections the local council can give permission for the closure.
robuk1981 are you talking about Nottingham ?
How coincidental that Network Rail do this just a few months after the publicity about this crossing on CZcams via this link and Geoff's Londonist videos. Looks to me as though NR didn't want any rail enthusiasts coming to see the crossing. I wonder which part of the "Nationalised" NR is responsible and which of the 130 plus private companies working for them will be doing the job?
NR IS nationalised!
@@Inkyminkyzizwoz In name only. I've already quoted the fact that there are over 130 PRIVATE Companies working in the name of "Network Rail". The "Nationalisation" of NR was simply a sop by the Tory Transport Minister to the Public - it is FAR from being Nationalised.
Was there this afternoon 22/4 and small wooden gates have been put in with instruction not to go up the steps whilst a train is there. A knee jerk reaction from Mr Marshall advertising this to the world...
I'm pleased NR are reconsidering. I don't think Morthren, Geoff Marshall or any other video blogger can be blamed - it seems this was considered a routine step as the resignalling would mean trains being halted straddling the crossing while waiting at a signal.
If anything I'd imagine closure would actually increase the risk to pedestrians, who probably stand more chance of getting knocked down crossing the nearby busy Woolwich Rd than ever falling foul of one of the occasional trains using the line.
While an underpass would maintain the right of way, many feel less safe using underpasses, which is why they're often being replaced at road junctions with surface level crossings . I hope sense is seen
Agreed about bloggers certainly not being to blame, what a silly notion.
True, some underpasses can feel or even demonstrably be unsafe, but considering the given alternative of closure and that this crossing isn't in the middle of nowhere and instead is right near neighbours who could be alerted to danger by a sharp yell which would hopefully scare any assailant, I'd ask for an underpass over closure any day.
@@Grahameajohnson Yes, and I suppose an underpass would "future proof" the crossing.
@@Grahameajohnson: Re underpasses, even taking that point, I would be surprised if an underpass/bridge would need to be any worse than how 1:11 is, which is on the path for the crossing! Mind you, the crossing is still there these days, so a discussion for probably some point in the future 🤔
If they don't want to mantain the crossing at the tracks level, why they don't make a crossing under the tracks? At least, they would think in people who uses it every day...
Wouldn't it be an idea to dig a tunnel underneath the track? There is enough hight. And pedestrians would no longer have to climb the stairs and go down them on the other side... Ok it will cost... that might be a problem... Was just an idea.
Geoff Marshall should have been informed so he can raise awareness of the petition.
That's a shame.
Looking on the bright side however, the line should stay open for the foreseeable future.
2:20 I installed the track circuit (box just behind the sign on the left) as part of the resignalling works here. If you watch the original video, you'll see it was before it was installed. I have walked this whole line numerous times, from the cement works to the Chatlton Police Compound (where it joins up to the mainline). The crossing is still currently open I believe so anyone interested will still have time to visit. But please be safe if you do.
Surely it has to be classed as public right of way. How about the locals using it as a route to and from work.
I live in the U.S.A., but I don't care where things of history are at but If anythings of any historical or sentimental value is to be closed to the public, destroyed or removed I get pissed off. Why do they want to close this crossing? Will they provide an option like a tunnel passing under the track? I hope the petition will prevent the crossing from ever being closed.
Just because it's "historic" is not a reason to save it. What IS a reason to do something other than what Network Rail were planning is that it is a well-used public right of way.
There are formalities which must be complied with before stopping up any public right of way, even one that crosses a railway. They didn't go through those formalities so the highways authority (London Borough of Greenwich) could have served them with a nice, expensive enforcement order had they gone forward with the original plan.
The number of people using it also suggests replacing the crossing and not stopping it up. An underpass would seem to be the correct solution. The railway is on an embankment so the approaches to the crossing are on the correct level for an underpass. The bridge over the dual carriageway could also still be fairly easily reached via the ramp that starts at the end of Farmdale Road anyway.
That would preserve the approach to the crossing through the alley and also improve safety and make the crossing wheelchair usable as well.
Many years ago, this was on my dad's "patch" from when he was working Charlton signalbox as he was relief based there, later on Charlton Lane too, got a lot of family history in that part of London.
They should do a walking tunnel below the railway. it iwll be more accessable too eliminating the stairs on both sides.
Were they trying to be sneaky by dating the announcement "27th March 2017"? Or had that been posted two years ago?!
You're right! I didn't even notice the date was 2017 on the notice! This was only posted to residents a few days ago
@F-350 Guy what a load of drivel. Find a woman, have some sex, get it off your chest.
Watched your original video and another recent one on the same crossing. One wonders if the videos brought the crossing to the attention of the executives and solicitors. Hopefully enough noise can change their minds.
I have thought the same thing. After my video on the crossing, a lot more have been published by others. One even shows the train stopping on the crossing! You just don't know how Network Rail are thinking...
I live in Charlton, and thanks to your video I recently visited this! I'd previously walked straight past it on the ramp from the A102(M) footbridge without noticing it, which is surprisingly easy to do apparently. Let's hope it stays open - have signed the petition!
Is it still open?
Great video so gutted they are trying to close the crossing it’s a little hidden gem! I have signed the petition!
Network Rail appear to have a blanket closure policy on foot crossings up and down the country - especially those where the frequency and speed of trains is being increased under various developments. However, this doesn't appear to be the case here - although the train lengths may be increased so the wagons straddle the crossing. I look forward to hearing more as things develop.
Great video! RIP this crossing though. Pretty sad that this is happening, seems like it's not very unsafe and not really a need of permanent closure... :(
I signed the petition!! It would be a shame if this beautiful crossing would close
I don't live in London but i still find it a bit sad.
There is another foot crossing in London. Watch Geoff Marshalls secrets of the Canals part 4 to see it
Signed the partition just moments ago - fingers crossed it stays open and/or refurbished.
I’m sorry but a petition is pointless, they won’t listen 🤷♂️
You are right but just maybe... charltonchampion.co.uk/2019/04/11/threatened-angerstein-wharf-foot-crossing-gets-temporary-reprieve/
There is only one way to know for sure!
Sign it!
...any comments on petitions being pointless now, seeing the crossing is open?
There are major rail works taking place where I live in feltham, and we were given less than two weeks notice of commencement of works that have already overrun, as well as permanently removing a level crossing before completion of the primary works that were due to compensate for its removal.
I managed to film most of that too!
@@morthren have you posted any of the Feltham footage?
@@keithspillett5298 Not yet. I've still got to put it together
Sad to lose this piece of history
I mean fair enough if they're upgrading the track but they could at least reopen it when the works have finished otherwise people will have to take a very long way around to get to the station. If the crossing needs to be so secure network rail should have staff patrolling the crossing whenever a freight train rolls by if it needs to wait on the crossing, and that would create more jobs for young people. Then again if would be cheaper to just close it as I'm guessing not many people use it anyway.
This isn’t the only foot crossing in London. There are three more foot crossings on the same stretch of track on the London Overground between Romford & Upminster in the London Borough of Havering.
There is also a foot crossing Between Whyteleafe Station and Kenley Station on the London to Caterham line.
@@SR567895 there is also a crossing on the Brentford branch in Hanwell
Just done the same to Fuller Street Crossing in Cleethorpes, the only crossing with disabled access to the beach for a couple of miles.
All ℹ can say is Thanks for catching it on video before it was gone 📹
Sometimes ℹ believe there are foul, sour-spirited people who do this just because They Can 😈
It closed today.
Signed! I only found your channel because of that video. A gem of a place.
The impression that I get from the posted letter is that Network Rail rail, like a parent of a small child, doesn't trust people to not clamber over trains sitting at a red signal (that's what the Darwin Awards are for, lol). What a perfect microcosm of the nanny state that we all too often apathetically capitulate to, hence why Network Rail seems to have had no qualms about pulling a fast one here. Good on the locals for raising a stink about it!
@F-350 Guy You really do have a bee in your bonnet, don't you?
So the problem with the UK is lack of religion and single parent families? Good grief dude
Sad how Establishment bureaucrats walk all over our Rights of Access with disregard..grew up in se18. .second manned out of hither green locomotive depot..angersteins wharf was a turn we did..used the crossing for access to get across Blackwall approach..what are the local community supposed to do..get that petition in ASAP
I don't know if it was closed but why couldn't they just make a short pedestrian tunnel using cut and cover method, would have been easy and cheap and been more pedestrian friendly. Just wondering. Hope this got resolved for the neighbourhood.
Dang, 13th April was yesterday. Looks like I have missed my chance ever to visit. I'm guessing that some people will lose the convenience of a short route to/from Westcome Park station and will now be forced to take a longer route or more likely walk to Charlton instead.
Is it closed now 11/19
Wow. I live not to far away from Westcome Park and I wanted to visit the crossing and I think they should leave it in place and keep the infrastructure as it is but improve it like normal engineering works, so that it doesn’t inconvenience the local people and it could bring more tourists in as well which would be good for the economy
I would just expect top just build a taller pedestrain bridge over the tracks so they can keep the connection but not interfere with freight trains
I wonder if a replacement tunnel was not more convenient for both the people and the railway
If that crossings been there from 1852 how can thay close it sins it must fall under the protectors monuments that doesn't allow the closure or demolition of something has been in place for a few years as it is a Heritage site
Looks like a stay has been given. Please keep us updated.
Thanks.
Very nice railway crossing. I don't know why they want to close it. I'd have a security device installed there that would work even when shifts in a nearby station. It would have been enough to cover the shunting signal and activate the alert only when moving behind the signal to the railway crossing.
Thanks for informing us all. I don't live in London, but visit regularly, yet I forgot to go there in February. I was going next Wednesday 17th April on my next visit. Now I hope there will still be an opportunity later in the year.
You still may have a chance! They've postponed closing it until the Easter weekend
Is that complete closure after Easter as I know someone else who wishes to see it, but that would be in a few months' time?
@@GuyArab Network Rail are saying they won't close it permanently just yet and will decide after a review. Hopefully it's just not a stalling tactic to buy some more time before closing it permanently!
@Morthren I am hoping people will fight the closure. The Charlton Champion is onto it.
Osborne rd, Hornchurch, Havering, Greater London. Does that count?..
There’s many more in Havering (specifically Hornchurch).
Shhh down let them realize, otherwise it'll closed too
Very sad
I remember this from when my friend lived in that road. It's going to affect lots of people who are going to have to make that long detour.
Hi can you please give me an update if it has been saved kind regards
That is so sad. Can i sign the petition if i'm not from England? Because i want to help too :)
Of course. The more signatures the better
London must be the worst place to live in the UK.
Why the hell are they closing it for god sake?
Is it really used that much?
Yes, hundreds of people use it daily. While I was there filming this for half an hour, there were about 30 people who used it.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #NetworkFail
Aw no that's tomorrow! Gutted. Petition signed :-(
There’s a nice foot crossing with traffic light system near Hertford East Station (approximately 30-45 minutes north of London) on the Greater Anglia line. Are there many others similar around London?
Another piece of history gone, the Ramblers Association used to halt things like this....
So is the whole train line closing or just the crossing what is a track crossing
I am from Germany and I was determined to see this (we don't really have those kind of crossings over here). And my determination has only just grown! 😂
It's still open.
1st! Liked as always! What a shame :( Petition signed!
There's plenty of moaning about common sense, health and safety and other Daily Mail tropes, here's something constructive. If the trains are going to straddle the crossing while waiting at the signal lights, move the signal lights back there's plenty of room. If that isn't possible people will just have to walk up to Woolwich Road and back down again it won't take them long.
Well that's a shame...
what about the one in Lincoln Road? Or doesn’t that count because it’s got a gate
Come to Blackpool you cross as many footpaths as like.
Got it saved as of today?
It’s still open
Never heard of this of its location before.
It is actually dated 27th March 2017.
They got the date wrong
Glad they are rethinking it. It is a fun part of London and obviously used by the locals.
It’s not the only one there is one in Acton
Nah they can't do that the only one is London and they decide it's not good enough pathetic
...besides the one in Hanwell.
Can't they replace the crossing with a tunnel?
IT'S STILL OPEN! 😅
I blame Geoff Marshall
Sadly I can’t get from my house to Charlton in -24 minutes
hey morthren, i am going to make a scale model of a forest city light, but how big is your light back on that halogen you got? and what is the diameter of the lights?
answer on this one pls. was logged in on wrong acount. :P
@@levelcrossingspotter-lcsra3368 width = 137cm, height = 91cm. The lenses are 23cm diameter. Good luck with it!
@@morthren thanks SO much for helping me out! Im sure that it is going to be quite big tho...
@@morthren i came back here for these measurements, and i can tell you, there are 3 beautifull lights on the shelf here, waiting for their back plate! :)
@@levelcrossingspotter-lcsra3368 Great! Good you're making progress with it 👍
Awful news. I’ve signed the petition!
Still two hours to go..
It shouldnt be closed can you protest? Get the counciler or mp to write to them?
The local MP is onto it as well as Greenwich council
MP UK don't make me. Laugh
I just signed it!
Folks, only just seen this; any update?
It has been kept open for now pending a review. They've put up gates at each side
@@morthren Thank you.
This gives me _anger…_ stein.
Does this railroad have passenger trains or freight trains or both?
Freight only. It serves the Cemex works at Angerstein Wharf.
Nice video! Shame it's closing, but at least it's temporary now. Wonder if they'll leave it open, but install lights, alarms, and/or gates here?
I would say it would be unlikely but who knows
Where's jeoff marshall
I need this in Moravia!!
Let me guess. You made it famous. People from outside the immediate area came there to take selfies. Engineers got worried and annoyed by the people they started seeing. The Ministry of Ministries of Ministries said, close it. We forgot it was there.
That has been suggested, it probably has seen a few more people using it... even people who lived nearby for years didn't know it was there! I think their official reason is the increase in freight traffic and the trains straddle the crossing while waiting to exit onto the mainline. Our ministry of ministries don't trust the public to be near an actual train while it's stopped on an open crossing!
morthren. I found your original video to be interesting. Similar to the few pedestrian steps in Los Angles to the old Red Car lines from the Southern Pacific's real estate developments in the 1890s, now classic and quaint neighborhoods. Much younger of course. They were in many famous silent and early talkie films.
We have many, many grade foot crossings and small road crossings without safety signals in North America still. I found yours through the ancient covered alley to be extremely rare.
CZcams fame:
A reasonably local motorcycle and sports car weekend roadway about an hour from me, was a nearly forgotten stretch of US129 on the Tennessee, North Carolina border through a tight mountain gap. Seldom problems there and a fairly normal speed limit. CZcams videos and a large motorcycle bar and campground that opened there made it the "Tail of the Dragon" a must for every cruiser and sportbiker (that bought their first bike last month) to try their skill against the treacherous stacked curves and unguarded ridge cliffs (mostly flatlanders). It became choked with riders and a menace to locals. Speed limit dropped to 35mph (a long rural road BTW) and patrolled heavily by magistrates, with an assembly line of ticket writing.
Four more minutes!
I hope it doesn't close, and even more importantly that trains won't block the crossing for extended periods. Some people *will* try to climb under a stopped train, and that's a horrible horrible accident just waiting to happen.
3:14 why did the train reverse down the track?
They were just shunting wagons from one track to the other
Geoff Marshall did a video about this,
Anyone could of wrote that sign
It was delivered to all local residents, don't be ridiculous
it's só Sad.😢
London's only foot crossing? Rubbish. What about Trumper's Crossing in Hanwell
There's also one in Romford as well on the upminster/Romford branch.
Only saw this today, the day it's due to have closed. Did they close it? Or has there been a reprieve?
There has been a reprieve until the Easter weekend. They are then going to decide what they're going to do after the engineering works are completed on the track
@@morthren Thanks for the reply. I hope they don't close it, there really doesn't seem to be any need.
Was it saved??????!!!
At the moment it is. They closed it for the Easter weekend then reopened it with new wooden gates and a sign saying not to go up the steps if there is a train there. They are 'reviewing' the situation