Protest || Refer rail authority has been left in no doubt as to what people feel about their arbitrary closure of a pedestrian crossing in the heart of historic Olhão.
The night-time barrier, dubbed ‘Olhão’s Berlin Wall’, was ripped down by locals over the weekend but, as we went to press, Refer had been quick to react – re-erecting the fence and, according to new website Sulinformação, having the back-up of a police guard.
A sense of comedy has accompanied this story since it broke two weeks ago. It was certainly riding high at the weekend when council chief António Pina insisted on making his prepared speech on why the crossing should be open when, in effect, it already was.
Over 300 locals turned up to support him – again giving Refer clear indication of how the town feels about the railway authority’s action.
“Olhão will not be railroaded!” The ‘I Love Olhão’ facebook page crowed after the protest.
The rail board’s decision to block off the crossing on Avenida Bernardino da Silva at night stems, we were told, from new rules that will mean trains will soon be able to travel faster, thus rendering the crossing unsafe.
As locals point out, the crossing is right next to the station. “Just how fast can they imagine the trains will get yards from the station,” one asked. “This is much more a case of Refer not wanting to pay for a proper automated crossing.”
Talking to Lusa news agency, Mayor Pina said: “We defend and demand the reopening of the crossing and propose measures to counteract the ‘security risk’ cited by Refer, such as more warning signs.”
Pina has been right behind residents fighting the unwelcome barrier, pointing out that the underpass provided in its place is steep and inaccessible, as well as treacherous in wet weather. Indeed, it gives the word ‘slipway’ a whole new meaning and poses a serious threat to the elderly and handicapped, he said.
