Thurrock Diversity Network is a local Society working alongside disabled adult residents of Thurrock, focussing upon equality, independent living and inclusive communities. We support and encourage disabled people's active participation and full integration into society
We are a wide network of individuals and organisations in the borough and we are very concerned about the impact that any proposed closure of the Pedestrian Level Crossing in Grays will have on a wide range of disabled people, carers, parents, people with scooters and trollies and limited mobility as well as anyone wanting to access the Train and Bus Stations and businesses from the Town Centre or Riverside. Vulnerable people would effectively be isolated from accessing vital civic and voluntary services such as the Council Offices and the Beehive Community Resource Centre which houses Thurrock Centre for Independent Living, Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Concern, to name a few.
We appreciate the various important considerations that Network Rail face, particularly given the levels of misuse recently, including a number of people risking their own lives to misuse the crossing (evident from CCTV footage, grown adults fare-dodging). However, the House of Commons Transport Committee has said that The Equality Act 2010 places duties on designers and managers to ensure that facilities at crossings do not cause an unnecessary barrier to access across the railway for Disabled People
Any closure of the Pedestrian Level Crossing is likely to cause an unnecessary barrier to access across the railway for Disabled people, older people, their families and carers.
Please sign the petition, so that Network Rail fully consider the impact of any closure upon the local community and Grays Town centre. Keeping the Level Crossing open will ensure that everyone can continue to fully access the town, facilities and businesses in the local area.
