Ben Alder campaigners vow to continue battle to re-open level crossing access
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Campaigners have pledged that their battle will go on to regain access at a level-crossing in Dalwhinnie controversially closed by Network Rail.
The rail body has spent more than £30,000 installing new gates and higher security fencing blocking off the long-standing core footpath and historic route to Ben Alder and the surrounding peaks.
Dalwhinnie Community Council chairwoman Jen Dickinson said they are not going to give up just because of the latest measures installed.
She said: “Everything is all in place but it is a bit of a joke because close by the fence is just hip high and people can still easily climb over this section.”
The higher fencing just stretches around 10 metres either side of the locked gate. The new fencing is around six feet high while older fencing has in part been been topped with barbed wire.
“The fence is higher now on the Dalwhinnie side – it is definitely a deterrent on this side – but people will just find a spot nearby where they can cross.”
“We have already seen two or three people with backpacks trying to call the signalman to cross the railway line.”
The pedestrian bridge at Dalwhinnie station was finally repaired by Network Rail before the higher security gates were installed last month but there crossing to access the Ben Alder track requires crossing private land.
Ms Dickinson said: “Folk can cross the pedestrian bridge and walk to the north of the platform to where it ends and there is a wee gate that goes onto land on the other side but this is private land.
“Naturally the owner is keen not to have a footpath put in there. Network Rail has not approached this individual in any way, shape or form to mitigate when is happening to his land and for repair and maintenance of the land or gates to stop animals getting onto the line.”
She continued: “As well as the continuing danger to public safety, the other big issue is that we have a large car park by the crossing that no-one is using.
“There is no parking at the underpass now being used two kilometres by road/footpath from the crossing at north of the village other than for around half a dozen cars. This area is becoming really busy with cars – we expect it will be rammed this Easter weekend.”
Ms Dickinson said it was also leading to parking problems in the village with hill-goers leaving their cars parked up in laybys, at the local hotel and garage, and in front of homes on Station Road if they can not do so by the underpass.
“SSE have now added gates to their compound at the underpass due to people parking, littering and camping in their service depot area.”
The campaign to have the Ben Alder crossing reopened remains strong elsewhere too.
Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “It’s a great shame, but sadly now little surprise, that Network Rail is failing to respond to widespread calls to reopen this historic route to popular lochs, glens and Munros.
“Instead, rail bosses keep doubling down on their errors despite pleas from residents, The Highland Council, Cairngorms National Park, landowners, businesses, MSPs and many outdoor organisations.
“As we warned would happen, people have begun climbing over the fence to use the crossing, making it less safe than before.
“Yet now Network Rail is throwing good money after bad, by investing £30,000 just to design and prepare new fencing. The final installation costs will inevitably be higher. We urge NR to see sense, get back around the table and discuss a workable solution.”
A Cairngorms National Park Authority spokesperson said: “We are aware of the historic popularity of this crossing and have been in discussion for some time with Network Rail with a view to retaining an appropriate means by which people may cross the railway at this location.
“We continue to work with all parties impacted including local community representatives, land managers, non-governmental organisations and local public bodies in addition to Network Rail, as we seek a way to resolve this matter to everyone’s satisfaction.
Richard Barron Chief Operating Officer of Scotways said: “This money would have been better spent improving safety for all crossing users rather than by blocking off an historic public right of way.
“As Network Rail has not followed due process, the access rights of the local community and the wider general public are still not being taken into account.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said recently: “We understand the disappointment closing the crossing to the public has caused, but it is a safety-critical decision that has been taken to help reduce trespass on the railway.”
Pushing for green light for access
Campaigners would like to see mini traffic lights for crossing users as a possible solution – as installed in locations including Dalnaspidal and Pitlochry.
Ms Dickinson said: “One of Network Rail’s arguments is that they could not put the mini-traffic lights in at the crossing because it is too close to the station.
“The claim when trains stop at the station the traffic lights would time-out and the driver can not see the crossing but this is rubbish.
“The crossing is clearly visible and a second sensor to activate the lights again at the end of the platform surely could be used.
“They could easily put in mini-stop lights just as they have done at Dalnaspidal.”
“They have found a small fortune to design and make gates let alone install them.
“Surely therefore the funds could have been put to better use in working with the community to find a suitable solution to the issue they have created in blocking this ancient drovers route that pre-dates the railway?”
