NETWORK Rail has agreed to put £2m towards the costs of a footbridge that will mean the permanent closure of Jumble Lane crossing - but only on the proviso it is built by March 2019.

The idea to shut the town centre railway crossing and replace it with a pedestrian bridge was mooted three years ago when the town centre revamp was revealed.

Network Rail had also expressed concerns about the crossing being dangerous and ‘high risk’ with numerous incidents reported of cars running red lights and pedestrians jumping the barriers.

Negotiations have been ongoing between the council and Network Rail for several years and the project moves a step closer next week when senior councillors will be asked to approve the £5m structure when they meet to discuss the proposals on Wednesday.

However, the ruling cabinet will be told Network Rail has agreed to part fund the project - to the tune of £2m - but on the condition the bridge is completed by March 31, 2019.

The new bridge will act as a ‘gateway’ into the town, taking people from Market Gate car park into the heart of the new £130m town centre scheme, meaning the level crossing would be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for good.

Full story in this week’s Barnsley Chronicle