Halliford Station Path closed without warning

We find it disgraceful that Surrey and Network Rail have closed one of the most important paths connecting Halliford and Sunbury. Having worked to get the path on a schedule to be maintained, this closure is a kick in the teeth. Let's hope the authorities listen and get provision to cross the Halliford Bypass (Something we've long campaigned for) sorted or that the path is reopened.

We have previously had to chase to receive some information on the planned works to replace platform 2. This is what were have been told but no mention of the path closing:

Station Improvement work - Upper Halliford Station platform renewal

I'm writing to let you know we'll be carrying out essential work at Upper Halliford Station. We'll be improving safety for rail passengers by rebuilding platform 2 where the concrete surface is deteriorating.

This means platform 2 will be closed from 17 May 2021 until 6 November 2021.

Trains from London Waterloo will not call at Upper Halliford station on their way to Shepperton. Passengers should remain on the train to Shepperton, where they can connect to travel back towards London Waterloo where the train will call at Upper Halliford as normal.

The rest of the station will remain open and trains will continue to serve Upper Halliford (platform 1) in the direction of London Waterloo.

South Western Railway will also be running a rail replacement service bus service which will run from Sunbury to Shepperton, calling at Upper Halliford Station. We advise passengers to check before they travel using www.nationalrail.co.uk or via South Western Railway.

Over the next few weeks, we will be setting up our worksite compound next to the station which will be used as a base for staff welfare, parking and material storage.

Our work will involve the demolition of the existing Platform 2, followed by the construction of a new platform by installing a new concrete base and platform surface. The table below shows the first phase of work, however we will then have teams working at the station on platform 2 to complete electrical cabling, lighting and ensuring the platform is ready to serve passengers and trains in November.

Where possible noisy activities will be planned during daytime hours.

Naturally, we have emailed both Surrey and Network Rail to find a swift resolution to this issue. It needs addressing quickly!

Here's what we asked:

It has been brought to my attention that the works outlined in your email below involve the closure of a footpath under the A244. This was not mentioned in your notice and will have a serious impact locally.

The alternative route that has been signposted requires people to cross the A244 where it is a 4-lane road. The nearest traffic lights have no pedestrian phase and complex filtering which will place pedestrians at risk.

Given the proximity of five local schools, this path is used daily by both parents and children. These groups will be particularly vulnerable when crossing the A244 at peak traffic times.

Please could I ask that you urgently reconsider the necessity to have the path closed and set up alternative arrangements that do not represent such a serious pedestrian safety risk. It cannot be acceptable for residents to have to cross a busy road with fast-moving traffic without any controlled crossing point, and failure to address this would be negligent.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Lawrence Nichols
Halliford and Sunbury West Ward
Spelthorne Borough Council