East West Rail plans to permanently close the Hauxton Road railway crossing between Little Shelford and Hauxton. Without a direct pedestrian replacement, this would have a serious and lasting impact on everyday village life.

Many residents understand the importance of rail safety and support improvements to rail services. However, removing this crossing without appropriate mitigation would significantly reduce safe and independent pedestrian access between parts of the village.

There are 13 homes in Little Shelford located on the Hauxton side of the railway. For families living there, the crossing is not an occasional convenience. It is used multiple times a day. Residents walk across it to reach the school, GP surgery, dentist, shops, and to visit friends and neighbours. These are short, routine journeys that currently happen naturally, safely, and without the need for a car.

Under the current proposals, pedestrians would be diverted via a new road linking to Newton Road. This is not a like-for-like replacement for walking. The alternative route is significantly longer and less direct, and it runs along a quiet, isolated stretch with no houses or everyday activity. For children, older residents, people with disabilities, parents with pushchairs, or anyone with limited mobility, this represents a real reduction in safety, independence, and accessibility.

The practical effect of these proposals would be to turn many simple walks into car journeys. This would add pressure to already busy village roads, particularly at peak times, and would undermine everyday pedestrian access within the village.

If the Hauxton Road level crossing must close, we request that a grade-separated pedestrian crossing, such as a footbridge or an equivalent accessible solution, is provided at or near the current location. This would be reasonable and proportionate mitigation for the loss of a well-used pedestrian connection that plays a central role in village life.

We therefore call on East West Rail, Network Rail, and the relevant local authorities to commit to this provision at the design stage, ensuring safe and direct pedestrian access throughout Little Shelford if the level crossing closes.