Reports have been received of the tragic death of a 36 year old man from Northiam. It happened at the Gibbets Marsh to Winchelsea Road pedestrian rail crossing on Saturday, June 5 at around 12:45pm. Floral tributes have been laid at the side of the railway line.
This crossing has been the scene of tragedy a number of times in recent years. There are notices on each approach gate, placed by the Samaritans organisation, saying:"Talk to us."
Access to the line crossing used not to be so easy. When the signalling system was by manually operated levers, the wire which activated movement of the semaphore, giving the train driver permission to proceed, also caused the pedestrian gates to close in the locked position. This safety measure was discontinued when the signalling system became electric and warning lights replaced the semaphore arm.
If and when the Marshlink line gets electrified, it would be possible to reinstate an automatic gate locking safety scheme. Meanwhile, the scene holds its tragic and fatal attraction for those in desperate straits.
