A BRIDGE over the level crossing at Fishbourne Road East was today (January 9) approved by councillors.
The decision marks the end of an 11-and-a-half year campaign for a safer crossing over the railway line.
Councillors voted in favour of the scheme despite concerns about the width of the bridge and the loss of trees in the area.
Officers admitted it was not to a ‘gold standard’ but said it was the best compromise to make the crossing, which currently has gates on either side, safer.
Speaking in support of the application, Trevor Tupper, from the West Sussex Rail Passenger Association, said: “As long as that crossing is there will be another fatality, it is bound to happen.”
Objectors, however, said the bridge would be a ‘blot on the landscape’ and could be more unsafe than the existing crossing.
The plan was largely backed by councillors, despite compromises, on design with ten voting to approve the application.
A reporter from the Observer was at today’s meeting and a full story will appear in next week’s paper.
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