Park boss brands road closure timing a 'nightmare'

3 hours ago

Tom Jackson,in Sheprethand

Aimee Dexter

News image — Shepreth Wildlife Park is located near the crossing

Tom Jackson/BBC Shepreth Wildlife Park is on the left and has a sign on the side of the building which says ENTRANCE and an arrow pointing left. There is a cone and single file traffic sign outside of the building. — Shepreth Wildlife Park is located near the crossing

The director of a wildlife park has described the timing of a level crossing closure nearby as "a nightmare".

The crossing on Station Road in Shepreth, Cambridgeshire, closed for roadworks on Monday for about three weeks. It is part of Greater Cambridge Partnership's (GCP) work on Melbourn Greenway.

Rebecca Willers, director of Shepreth Wildlife Park, said: "It couldn't be worse timing for us, and what we really want to hammer home is that we are open."

The GCP said there would be access to the station and local businesses during the closure, but that motorists may have to follow a diversion.

Willers said the park had asked GCP to carry out the project in the winter as it is "closed two days a week and has a reduction of about 20%" of its visitors then.

She said the months from May to August were "peak times" for the park.

Tom Jackson/BBC A road leads to a level crossing which is in the background. There are pavements either sides of the road. In the foreground, there are different signs and cones across the road. — The level crossing was expected to be closed for about three weeks

The GCP was set up in 2014 after the government granted the area a city deal worth £500m.

Willers added: "Everything that is happening is brilliant, it is just that the timing couldn't be any worse.

"For us, it is all about positive promotion, this is a great scheme happening, but we are open and we just need everyone to be on board and promote that we are open," she added.

The GCP said the project would include making accessible crossing points, installing double yellow lines on Station Road to reduce congestion and improve safety - and a new 20mph zone.

Kerry Allen, GCP's project manager, said: "Once complete, the improvements will support safer crossings, calmer traffic and a more welcoming environment for walking and cycling.

"We know this work will cause some short-term disruption and would like to thank the community for their patience as we move closer to delivering the benefits of the Melbourn Greenway."

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