Residents will be asked to have their say from next week on plans to close a level crossing in Saddleworth.

Proposals have been submitted to close the Moorgate Halt level crossing as part of route upgrades and are suggesting the improvement of an existing right of ware as an alternative route.

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is working to transform journeys across the North by creating improved connections between towns and cities through more frequent and faster trains.

TRU says it will deliver an increased number of faster passenger and freight services over Moorgate Halt Level Crossing and will see the installation of overline line equipment to power the cleaner, faster and quieter trains. 

However, the growth in traffic would increase the risk to users of the Moorgate Halt level crossing so TRU has proposed to close the level crossing. 

TRU said that an earlier option to introduce a footbridge at the level crossing was explored but that this was abandoned due to engineering challenges at the location.

Instead, they are suggesting a footpath which leads from Ladcastle Road, Oldham Road and through to Moorgate Street be improved for an alternative route.

TRU will be holding a public consultation event on the proposal for the Moorgate Halt Level Crossing on Thursday, November 28 from 1pm to 7pm at Saddleworth Museum.

There will also be an online consultation, hosted at thetrupgrade.co.uk/moorgatehalt which will launch on the same day and will close on Friday, December 20.

The consultation website will not be live before November 28.