Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

Islip Number 4 [FP 260/4]5.30 This is a rural and unmade footpath crossing agricultural land to the northand south of the railway. Its principal use is likely to be for recreation. Thecrossing is accessed via wooden stiles from the footpath [Photograph 24].5.31 The June 2009 survey showed there to be no users over a three hour period ona Sunday when levels of recreational use should be high.Islip Level Crossing5.32 Islip Level Crossing on Mill Lane serves a small number of residentialproperties to the west of Islip village, all of which have an alternative highwayaccess via the nearby Kidlington Road. The crossing has manually operatedgates for vehicles and pedestrians which have to be opened by whoever isusing the crossing [Photograph 25]. These types of crossing have aparticularly poor safety record, mainly due to errors or abuse by members ofthe public. The railway is on a curve at this location and visibility along theline is poor. Mill Lane joins bridleway BR 260/1 to the south and links in withthe Water Eaton Number 5 bridleway [BR 229/5] further south west, close toMiddle Farm, Water Eaton.5.33 The June 2009 survey showed that 14 vehicles used the level crossing over aneight hour period, equating to less than two vehicles per hour. Over the sametime period, 37 pedestrians used the crossing, equating to around five usersper hour. There were no equestrian users.Water Eaton Number 5 [BR 229/5]5.34 Water Eaton Number 5 is one of two bridleways that cross the railway atgrade.The bridleway [BR 229/5] links Water Eaton Lane to the A4165 andconnects with the bridleway running from Water Eaton to Mill Lane at Islip[BR 229/9]. Access to the level crossing is controlled by wide metal gates onboth sides of the crossing [Photograph 26].5.35 The June 2009 survey showed there to be no equestrians using the crossingover an eight hour period, but a total of 39 pedestrians did so. This equates toaround five pedestrians per hour.Gosford and Water Eaton Number 4 [FP 229/4]5.36 The footpath links Kidlington to the north via Water Eaton Lane to WaterEaton to the south. The footpath crosses the A34 at-grade, a busy dualcarriageway, immediately to the north of the railway crossing. Access to thecrossing is controlled by metal gates on both sides [Photograph 27]. South ofthe railway the footpath continues across agricultural land to the east of theWater Eaton park and ride site.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT29CHILTERN RAILWAYS