Cannock Chase family moves to make way for bridge

A family is moving from its home to pave the way for a new £3 million steel footbridge in the heart of Cannock Chase, it has emerged.

The bridge is to replace the current level crossing amid safety concerns for hundreds of cyclists and walkers. Resident Wendy Emery and her family are now moving to a new address in Stoke-on-Trent after striking a deal with Network Rail. Under plans the pathway from the crossing to Mrs Emery's home in Marquis Drive would be blocked off once the bridge is in place.

A safer crossing has become necessary due to the introduction of a 15-mile, award-winning mountain bike trail through the forest. It has boosted cyclists to more than 3,000 at weekends after being launched two years ago.

Mrs Emery, a mother-of-two, said she did not have objections with Network Rail.

She added: "I would like to see the house become something useful, maybe it could be used by Duke of Edinburgh students as they have a lot of that taking place nearby. It would be sad to see it out of use and completely boarded up."

Fellow neighbours near to the proposed bridge Jane and Tim Jordan said they did not want it there and were concerned over safety.

Mrs Jordan, aged 48, said: "It doesn't really fit in with the landscape. We are going to see it, and don't want to see it, but would rather look at the bridge than have an accident on the line.

The existing level crossing is a designated public footpath across the rail line but was not designed for the number now using it.

Network Rail says there has been an increase in near-misses, from users misjudging the speed or direction of a train, failing to spot a second train or crossing when the lights are red.

The railway line runs parallel to the A460 Hednesford to Rugeley Road.

The new bridge would be 262ft south of the existing level crossing. Planning chiefs at Cannock Chase Council have recommended the scheme is approved.

Network Rail was unavailable for comment.