MAINTENANCE OF A LEVEL CROSSING

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21792, 26 May 1936, Page 10

MAINTENANCE OF A LEVEL CROSSING

COUNCIL’S ATTITUDE MISUNDER-

STOOD

NO RESPONSIBILITY DESIRED BY

RICCARTON BOROUGH

Apparently misunderstanding a letter sent by the Riccarton Borough Council on December 11 last year, the Highways Board has written to the council undertaking to pay the whole cost of the maintenance of the two level crossings in the council’s area, and asking the council to take over the maintenance of the crossings, keeping separate accounts of the cost of the work. Actually the council wishes to have no part at all in the maintenance of the crossings.

Further explanation of the council’s attitude was left to the Town Clerk, Mr R. Sarjeant, when the Highways Board’s letter was received at a meeting last evening. The letter was indirectly a reply to the following letter from the council to the District Railways Engineer, Mr J. McNair: — . I have to inform you that the Riccarton Borough Council will not undertake the maintenance of streets under control of the Railway Department at level crossings. The Highways Board was informed of this decision some months ago ”

This in turn was a reply to the District Engineer’s letter giving details of requirements for work on level crossings, which stated: “It is, necessary that no work be done that may endanger trains, and to achieve this end any work done by your staff must be done in conjunction with or under the supervision of my staff. I shall be pleased if you will arrange this. , , , , “The crossings in your area and the addresses of the local railway gangers are noted below so that you can arrange times with them for doing the work. The foreman in charge of the ganger is the Inspector of Permanent Way, Addington. Your work must be done to the satisfaction of these .officers.”