Ah, brace yourselves, folks, for the riveting saga of a level crossing closure in the heart of North Lincolnshire—a tale so thrilling it’s getting a three-day public inquiry. That’s right, mark your calendars for April 9-11 and head on over to Worlaby Village Hall at the crack of 10 am. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Picture this: a planning inspector, likely donning a monocle and a stern expression, will preside over this spectacle of bureaucratic drama. The star of the show? None other than a humble level crossing on Carr Lane in Worlaby, which, for reasons unbeknownst to many, was unceremoniously closed by the folks at Network Rail some years back.
Now, hold onto your hats, because it seems the closure hasn’t gone down too well with the locals. Worlaby Parish Council and their pals over at North Lincolnshire Council have been up in arms about it, arguing that shutting down the crossing is like taking away a kid’s candy—utterly heartbreaking and completely unnecessary.
Why all the fuss, you ask? Well, it turns out this closure has blocked off access to the River Ancholme for the poor, stranded residents of Worlaby. Can you imagine the horror? No more leisurely strolls by the riverbank, no more fishing expeditions—just a big ol’ fence blocking your way to nature’s bounty.
But fear not, for our valiant parish council chair, Cllr Mike Speakman, is here to lead the charge against this injustice. He’s out there fighting the good fight, making sure everyone knows that Worlaby won’t stand for such tomfoolery. “Many residents and other groups have previously enjoyed access across the railway to the banks of the Ancholme,” he declares, his voice echoing with righteous indignation.
And let’s not forget our dear Cllr Rob Waltham, who’s also joined the fray, demanding the crossing be reopened and recognized as a public right of way. “Residents and visitors have been using Carr Lane for many generations to get to and from the village but also to access the River Ancholme,” he proclaims, waving his metaphorical flag of defiance.
But hold your horses, folks, because the plot thickens. North Lincolnshire Council is gearing up for a showdown, armed with historic documents and testimonies from the masses. They’re ready to prove once and for all that this crossing is more than just a couple of rusty old gates—it’s a vital artery connecting Worlaby to the wider world.
So, if you fancy yourself a bit of a history buff or just enjoy a good ol’ fashioned showdown, be sure to swing by the public inquiry. Who knows, you might just witness the battle of the century unfold right before your very eyes. But remember, folks, this ain’t no spectator sport—this is the stuff of legends.