Following concerns raised on Ashtead Unhinged and subsequent letters of concern to Network Rail, we have received the following email:-

Thank you for contacting us about – the gates at the Green Lane Crossing in Green Lane Ashtead, KT21 2JW.

This was immediately raised with our Route Control, who have been in contact with the Level Crossing Manager, who has advised that the gates were installed by Mc’Coda a few weeks ago due to the old gates becoming difficult to open / close.

These new gates do not have a sliding bar to lock them, although whilst carrying out site visits it is not uncommon to witness users simply allowing the gates to spring back and not slide the bar through.

The Level Crossing Manager has advised that they will contact the company to see if any amendments can be done to the gate to ensure that 1) it fully closes, and 2) if some kind of sliding bolt can be fixed to the gate.

I'll now close the enquiry with our helpline, but please be assured this is with the relevant team, who are aware and are currently dealing with this issue and thank you very much again for getting in touch.

Kind Regards

Joanne

Community Relations, Wessex route

The Residents' Association has been in direct contact with the Level Crossings Manager and can confirm he has raised these concerns with the installation company. Their response will be published here when received.