Decision details

A report was presented on a proposal to dedicate a public footpath under the 1980 Highways Act Section 25 to provide a level access entrance / exit between Squires Gate railway station and New Road.

It was reported that the Squires Gate railway station was unstaffed and currently had one entry / exit point at Squires Gate Lane with a steep flight of stairs from the platform, which posed challenges for individuals with mobility issues, wheelchair users, parents with prams and passengers with luggage.

The aim of the wider Squires Gate Level Access project was to enhance accessibility at the Railway Station, and to make the facility more inclusive to the local community.

Progress towards achieving level access to the platform had begun in 2018, when the potential for creating a new inclusive route from nearby New Road had been identified through a new housing estate proposed by Persimmon Homes.  Fylde Borough Council had initiated Compulsory Purchase Order proceedings to acquire a small piece of land which had previously been unregistered, to link New Road to the southern end of Squires Gate Railway Station. The Compulsory Purchase Order process had been completed in August 2023.

Lancashire County Council as the Local Transport Authority for the area were developing the wider project in partnership with Northern Trains and Network Rail. Various processes were now required to enable the Level Access project package to be delivered.

A discussion took place around the poor state of the garages adjacent to the proposed footpath and the need to ensure the safety of the footpath users. Committee noted that these concerns would be drawn to the attention of the Highways Design Team.

Resolved:

(i)  That the proposal for the dedication of footpath from New Road to Squires Gate railway station be accepted.

(ii)  That an Agreement be entered into, pursuant to Section 25 of the Highways Act 1980, with freehold landowners Persimmon Homes and Fylde Borough Council.