Crossing the Railway at Watchet

Not one but two. And both raising hackles with Watchet folk.

The Footbridge has now been closed for months due to being in need of repair. It is owned by the District Council who say they have enough money to demolish the Footbridge but no funds to repair and restore it so the Town Council was asked to find the money. The Town Council asked every household in Watchet to comment on raising the local tax to pay for the repairs. It seems most in Watchet preferred not to contribute. The matter continues. Meanwhile most people wishing to cross the Railway now tramp along the Platform at Watchet Station to the other crossing at Govier's Lane.

Now, the Govier's Lane Crossing, with the footpath traversing several tracks and sidings, has been a problem for Watchet folk since the Railway was opened in 1862 right through to the closure in 1971. With the reopening in 1976 the Crossing was provided with small red/green lights indicating to pedestrians if a train was due on the sole remaining railway line. Small gates were also provided. Over the years the gates were "lost". Recently the West Somerset Railway upgraded the Crossing to national standards. The small lights were taken away, the approach fencing modified and the gates returned. It is the awkwardness of the gates that seems to be the main focus of complaint from users of the Crossing. Certainly it is not easy for wheelchair users to open the gates. And the gates tend to clatter when closing despite the Railway fixing dampers.

I guess if a bridge was built to modern standards at Govier's Lane Crossing then many of the problems would go away at that particular place. But of course a new modern bridge, complete with long sloping ramps, would cost a fortune and I'm sure a bid for funds would not be successful unless bundled with other nearby developments which themselves seem to have stalled.

As for the old Footbridge, its days may well be numbered. Upon its demise, there remains the little matter of getting to Govier's Lane Crossing. The use of the Platform may be the obvious route but as a thoroughfare it is hardly safe and much less so when packed with waiting passengers. And when a train stops it is complete chaos.

Much to ponder for some. Much to watch with interest from afar.