Network Rail promises to fix "chronic" Brandon crossing

The automatic barrier has been stuck in the down position for up to eight hours, according to residents

A level crossing which has been stuck in the "down" position for hours at a time will be fixed, Network Rail says.

The crossing on the A1065 Mundford Road at Brandon was changed from manual to automated last year and has since been described as a "chronic sore".

Network Rail said it was looking to remove the "component" causing the issues and would announce its plan of action shortly.

It also said it would be willing to fund a bridge to bypass the crossing.

This would be part of future plans for a relief road in Brandon, which is on the Suffolk and Norfolk border.

Matthew Hancock, MP for West Suffolk, welcomed Network Rail's promise, saying: "The crossing at Brandon is a chronic sore that needs urgent attention and a long-term solution."

Elizabeth Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, said: "Residents want to know action will be taken now rather than later to guarantee an efficient rail barrier is in place."

The level crossing was upgraded to cope with increased capacity on the Norwich-to-Ely line.