A COMMUNITY is divided over plans to build a footbridge across a section of railway where a woman was killed by a train.
Network Rail has confirmed it wants to build a bridge along footpath 89, which crosses two lengths of track running behind Shaw Crescent in Hutton.
Its aim is to install the footbridge by early 2014. The scheme is at an early stage and it plans to share the proposals with residents at a later date.
It was at the same point on the footpath, which is used by dog walkers to reach Arnold's Woods, that a 26-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a train on November 19.
Officers from British Transport Police say the incident was not treated as suspicious.
Currently the line running between Shenfield and Southend is easily accessible, with just a simple kissing gate and stile inhibiting direct access.
People walk over rubber blocks at ground level.
The plans, which have not been officially announced, have met mixed reactions from people living close by.
Nicola Smollett, 47, who has lived just a few yards from the footpath in Shaw Crescent for the past 18 years, said: "I don't have a problem with it. It seems sensible really.
"My daughter goes jogging down there. Some people wonder if it's safe, but I don't have a problem with her going over the tracks as long as she takes care. Trains are easy to spot."
However, one resident who walks her dog along the footpath believes it should be blocked off altogether.
She said: "I know of a few other dog owners, walkers and joggers who use this path, but as it leads to the River Wid and then the busy Wash Road, it is not used very often.
"The financial effect this monstrosity will have on the neighbouring home owners, should they wish to ever sell their homes, would be enormous; let alone the noise and inconvenience encountered whilst the work is being carried out.
"Surely it would be much more cost effective to just block this pathway. There are other ways to get to Wash Road on foot – not in the countryside I know – but still possible.
"There are also other local walks where we can exercise ourselves and our dogs.
"I realise British Rail have to keep the footpath safe as it currently crosses the lines and there have been a couple of unfortunate incidents along this line, but most people are sensible and heed the train signals."
It is not the first time that Network Rail's plans to improve safety on its pedestrian crossing points have angered residents.
Footpath 37 over the main Chelmsford to London line was closed at the insistence of Network Rail in 2011, to the chagrin of walkers in Ingatestone who could no longer walk from Heybridge Road to Ingatestone Hall.
Since 2009, Network Rail has closed more than 600 level crossings across the UK.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "Our plan to replace this level crossing at Shaw Crescent with a footbridge is part of a nationwide programme to improve safety at level crossings.
"Reviewing safety at level crossings is an ongoing process and the bridge will provide a safer route across the railway."
If residents have any questions about the proposed footbridge they should contact Network Rail via its 24-hour helpline on 08457 11 41 41.
