A footbridge finally seems to be in the works for the level crossing in White Hart Lane, Barnes.

Network Rail have submitted an ‘application of prior approval’ to Richmond Council for a steel and concrete footbridge over the railway tracks.

The application, received by the council on March 26, claims “prior approval cannot be refused unless you are satisfied that the development ought to be and could reasonably be carried out elsewhere on the land, or the design or external appearance would injure the amenity of the neighbourhood and is reasonably capable of modification so as to avoid such injury”.

Councillor Paul Avon said: "Having worked with Network Rail on this proposed footbridge for some time, I have intimate knowledge of the project and site at White Hart Lane.

"Needless to say, this application has my full, unreserved and total support. This footbridge is desperately needed by the community."

Described as “hazardous” in the past, a footbridge for the crossing has been demanded for years and one mother claimed, “there isn’t one parent who uses that crossing each morning without fearing for their child’s life”.

Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith launched a petition for a footbridge in 2014 which had more than 1,200 signatures.

He said: "The narrow pathway that pedestrians have to use often means that children and the elderly are pushed onto a busy road.

"It's only a matter of time until there is a serious accident.”

Vivienne Sung, who signed, wrote: “Getting stuck on the wrong side of the crossing means sometimes I don’t get to see my daughter before she goes to bed! That’s just crazy.

“Not to mention that every day I see people pushed into the road and in front of cars because the walkways are too narrow.”

In 2016, White Hart Lane Level Crossing Committee put extra pressure on Network Rail - read more here

There were two accidents in just one week in 2007, with one mum and a pushchair being hit.