Local people in Leighton Buzzard invited to feedback on station public right of way plans

Network Rail is inviting residents and station users to provide their views on plans for a permanent public right of way over the West Coast Main Line at Leighton Buzzard station to help secure local connectivity.

On Wednesday 24 September, representatives from Network Rail will be at Linslade Community Hall between 4.30pm and 7pm to speak with local people about options being considered to reinstate a permanent public right of way across Leighton Buzzard station.

In 2019 a stepped footbridge that carried a public right of way was removed by Network Rail for safety reasons, with a temporary alternative route for the public in place over the station’s southern footbridge.

Working closely with partners at London Northwestern Railway who manage Leighton Buzzard station, Network Rail is now considering options to provide a permanent public right of way across the station and is seeking views from the local community on the following three options:

• To make the temporary alternative route over Leighton Buzzard station’s southern footbridge a permanent public right of way.

• To construct a new ramped footbridge in the location of the old bridge that was removed in 2019.

• To construct a new stepped footbridge in the location of the old bridge that was removed in 2019.

Carole Bayliss, strategy director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “We’re inviting local people to share their views on options for a permanent right of way across Leighton Buzzard station as part of our plans to safely secure connectivity for pedestrians over the busy West Coast Main Line.

“The feedback we receive will help us to better understand the needs of the local community before we submit a new planning application for a permanent right of way to be reinstated.”

Following the event, Network Rail will submit an application to Central Bedfordshire Council to legally divert the public right of way. This will be the second application, following the rejection of a diversion over the station’s northern bridge in April 2025.

The public can share their views on three options being considered at Leighton Buzzard station by attending Network Rail’s drop-in event at Linslade Community Hall (Waterloo Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 2NR) between 4.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday 24 September.

Alternatively, people can submit their feedback by 1 Wednesday October 2025 online.