A controversial railway crossing is set to close for good after a planning inspectorate ruling.

The fate of the Glebe Way foot crossing in Whitstable has today been decided following a public inquiry.

In October 2018, Kent County Council opted to shut the public right of way - the scene of 33 incidents in the space of 18 years - following a request from Network Rail.

But the assertion that the crossing "should be extinguished in the interests of the safety of members of the public" was met with mixed feelings from the community.

Some were relieved - claiming the “high risk” path in Clifton Road poses a danger to pedestrians, particularly children who are given freedom to roam the town.

But many were outraged at the move, which would see pedestrians instead forced to use a route 200 metres along the line.

The Whitstable Society argued the crossing was safe and convenient to use, particularly in comparison to the main alternative routes.

It also suggested a gate system with lights should be installed, or the path diverted over a bridge, rather than closing the crossing entirely.

After KCC received a huge number of comments both for and against the ruling, the matter was sent to the Planning Inspectorate, to make a final decision on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A virtual public inquiry took place between September 22 and October 7.

And today, planning inspector Heidi Cruickshank announced her decision that the order to close the crossing "should be confirmed".

Hundreds of residents had submitted their views to the planning inspectorate, with 284 in favour of closing the crossing and 168 objecting.

During the inquiry, Ms Cruickshank heard a wealth of evidence, and considered whether changes could be implemented to simply make the crossing safer.

She examined options including building a bridge or tunnel, installing special lights and alarms to warn of approaching trains, and cutting back vegetation to improve visibility - but found none of these options to be viable.

"I understand that objectors feel that the crossing is safe to use and wish to continue to do so," she wrote.

"However, I am satisfied from the evidence that there is risk associated with the use of this crossing and that it is not reasonably practicable to make the crossing safe for use by the public."

Three suicides were recorded on the Glebe Way crossing during a three-month period in 2010-11.

Ms Cruickshank said she gave the matter of suicide risk "a little weight in favour of closing the crossing".

She also heard from the family and friends of 14-year-old Sacha Wheeler, who was tragically killed on the crossing in February 2015.

An inquest into the schoolgirl's death found her death to be accidental.

Her mum, Heather Wheeler, gave an emotional speech at the planning inquiry about why the crossing should close, describing the “terrible devastation” caused by her daughter's death.

In decision documents, Ms Cruickshank said: "The clearly devastating effect of such an incident was eloquently expressed to the inquiry.

"As [Sacha] and her family had moved to the area in 2007, she grew up with knowledge of the crossing.

"Despite this knowledge and not being an obviously vulnerable user, her life was lost on this crossing. I consider this demonstrates a risk for users, even if familiar with the crossing as many argued they were, feeling it to be safe for them to use."

Ms Cruickshank agreed that the convenience of alternative routes must be considered.

But while acknowledging that travelling a further distance will be "inconvenient to some users", she concluded there are "appropriate" alternative routes available.

Responding to the Planning Inspectorate's decision, Network Rail route director for Kent, Fiona Taylor said: "I’m pleased that the inspector recognised the clear need to close Glebe Way crossing, and while we understand that some people in Whitstable will be upset by this decision, my thoughts - and those of everyone involved in this process - are with the family and friends of people who have lost their lives at this location over the years.

"In particular, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the family of Sacha Wheeler for their help, support, patience and grace through this difficult time.

"We will begin the process of closure immediately."

A spokesman for KCC added: "We recognise that there are sincerely held views on both sides of the argument for closure. We are pleased that the matter has been brought to a conclusion and will work with Network Rail to ensure that the work to close the crossing is completed without delay.”

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