To clarify the post at 325: The communication was from a government agency that are "urgently" looking at "corrosion and debris" on the A5. It states that "all disused level crossing equipment will be removed" and that "talks are being held with Cambrian Heritage Railway". "Legal steps" are being taken with a "third party".
If we take a little step back to 2016, when CHR applied for Transport & Works Act Order, we can see that the Office of Rail & Road and Highways England only real objection to the order being granted was use of the level crossings over the A5 and A483. Once that had been changed to not to being used on the level, the objections were withdrawn and the application was successful.
The Transport & Works Act Order application process is designed to look in detail at all aspects of the project. Eight years after the application was granted we are in a position where level crossings are in such a poor state of repair that they may cause a risk to drivers.
Why didn't the government agencies question CHR charitable status, with no employees, ability to adequately monitor and maintain all the assets along the 13.5 km of track, crucially the level crossings?
"Corrosion and debris"?
"level crossings are in such a poor state of repair that they may cause a risk to drivers."
Having driven over it in both directions yesterday, I can state that the road surface seems smooth and level across the entire width in both directions and crossing equipment at the sides looks secure and well back from the road carriageway. The central islands seem no better or worse than any other similar traffic islands I have seen. The crossing signs etc on the islands is well within the kerbs of the islands, so unless you think they are going to remove the whole islands, including kerbs and lampposts* I don't see what removal of the crossing equipment will gain**).
With regard to the charitable status, I will be very surprised if charities were legally required to have paid employee(s). I expect there are many others that are also run by 100% unpaid volunteers.
I will also point out that CHR volunteers include several professional (and very knowledgeable) railwaymen.
* Although it looks like someone has tried to remove one of the lampposts buy driving into it. But that's not part of the crossing equipment as such.
** In the unlikely event of the level crossing being bought back into use***, the crossing equipment would undoubtedly need replacing anyway, so removal of equipment now would make no difference.
*** Unlikely to be done by CHR in my lifetime (I'm 64), but the line was on last years(?) government list for potential reinstatement. You'd have to ask the government if you want to know more about that.
