Council joins fight over level crossing foot access

The only alternative to the crossing is a nearby footbridge accessed via steps

A council has said it will back residents and oppose plans to close a railway crossing for pedestrians.

Since 2012, residents have campaigned to keep the ground-level Wareham Rail Crossing despite Network Rail's plan to close it.

The rail firm said its primary obligation was to minimise risk.

However, Dorset Council said: "We're only interested in proposals that maintain ground-level pedestrian access at the crossing without any lifts, ramps, or any other similar alternatives."

In 2010, manually-operated gates were installed at the pedestrian crossing, which is next to a stepped footbridge

The level crossing, once branded one of the most dangerous in the country, is due to be shut as part of a national programme of closures over safety concerns.

A lease agreement with Network Rail for pedestrian access through railway land over the level crossing comes to an end in 2038.

Council leader Nick Ireland said "We will stand alongside the Wareham community and fight the closure, because it's the right thing to do.

"We will not spend any more taxpayers' money chasing something that the residents of Wareham do not need or want.

"It's not Dorset Council's responsibility to enable Network Rail to pursue deeply unpopular alternative options just so they can close the current crossing."

In 2038 the lease agreement with Network Rail allowing pedestrian access over the level crossing comes to an end

Gates were installed at the pedestrian crossing, after Network Rail reported a high number of people ignoring danger signals.

The council pays £120,000 a year for crossing attendants to open the gates.

The bridge over the railway lines can only be accessed by steps.

A planning application to install ramps up to the footbridge and remove the level crossing was refused in 2018.

In a statement, Network Rail said it aimed to work with the council and other parties to find a solution.

Wessex route director Mark Goodall said: "We cannot introduce any measure that increases risk, as it would be irresponsible.

"If a safer long-term solution is not agreed upon by 2038, when the current lease with Dorset Council expires, Network Rail will pursue the closure of the level crossing."