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Council joins fight over level crossing foot access

Dorset Council Staggered metal fencing with traffic light for pedestrians at entrance on to pedestrian level crossingDorset Council
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.

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

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."

Google Brick steps up to footbridge over railway on left and man standing by black metal gates with buildings beyond.Google
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."

Dorset Council Railway lines stretching into the distance with buildings either side and a road bridge over the railway line in the distance.Dorset Council
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.

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