The crossing at Levington Heath, between Ipswich and Felixstowe, is on the list as a potential closure

The BBC understands 15 rail crossings in Suffolk are being considered for closure or modification by Network Rail.

The list was revealed earlier this year in a report to the Suffolk Local Access Forum, a statutory body which advises on public access.

Nigel Meadows from The Suffolk Ramblers said he "understood" why some of the crossings made the list but had concerns over alternatives at three of them that were used "regularly" by walkers — in Levington Heath, Wherstead near Jimmy's Farm, and at Old Newton/Dagworth.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said it was in the "early stages of discussions" and this was "to find ways to make the railway safer for everyone".

To shut or change a railway crossing which has a public right of way, Network Rail needs to apply for a Transport Works and Act Order (TWAO). This requires public consultation, can be objected to and the final sign-off has to be made by the secretary of state for transport.

Mr Meadows said he had been made aware of the Network Rail "wish list" in January and had researched the crossings. He had concerns about lack of alternative routes and said closing them would be a "major loss":

* of most concern was Old Newton, near Stowmarket, "because that's part of the Mid-Suffolk path and a very well-used"

* Levington Heath, near Felixstowe, was "currently very well-used as a link up to the old A12 with a lay-by there and open access land"

* The Wherstead crossing, south of Ipswich, had issues because he had used it this year and "it's near Jimmy's Farm and there seemed to be a lot of people walking around there... obviously a very well-used route again"


(BBC article continues)