Wareham rail crossing safety concerns

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Wareham railway crossing safety concerns !

Residents claim Wareham could be cut in half as safety concerns could force the closure of a pedestrian railway crossing.

Officials state there has been "widespread misuse" of the crossing in Wareham where there are warning lights but no barriers to prevent people crossing when a train is coming.

ORR (Office of Rail Regulation) says the crossing, between Wareham and Carey, should be considered for closure after seeing near accidents with trains on CCTV footage. However locals say it will mean the only way over the tracks is via a bridge, which would be difficult for the elderly, the disabled and those with prams.

Town councillor Anne Selby  agreed that the crossing had been abused, but said it was crucial it remained open. She added: "It will cut Wareham in half, because more people live north of the town than in the town. Wareham will die. If we don't do something quickly then yes, it will close."

She urged people to sign a petition at Carey Post Office and said: "You can go over the railway by the steps but people that are disabled cannot do the steps. There's no footpath to take them up and over the flyover. There's not even enough room to put a footpath so we will be cut off."

Dorset County Council transportation manager Tim Westwood said: "There has been widespread misuse of the crossing by a large section of pedestrians, the evidence of which has been recorded on CCTV and reviewed by the Office of Rail Regulation. While the closure of the crossing is inevitable, the county council will be asking the ORR for more time to look at alternatives."