DORSET Council has responded to the proposed change at a Dorset level crossing.

The pedestrian rail crossing next to Wareham station has been the recent topic of conversation between residents after Dorset Council announced it wants to modify the railway bridge with either a lift or ramp. 

The electronic gate across the railway is currently manual and costs £120,000 a year to maintain.

Hundreds came out in support of protesting against the proposed change on November 16 ahead of the planned Dorset Council meeting on November 19.

Now Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council issued written a statement regarding the proposed change.

He said: “We’re concerned about the persistent incorrect assertion that Dorset Council is proposing that the current level crossing is closed. We have made it clear in all our communications that Network Rail is the body that will close the crossing in its current form in 2038.

“We are simply reacting to the planned closure by trying to retain step-free access for the local community beyond this date.

“We know many people are opposed to the potential solution of ramps and/or lifts being used alongside the existing nearby footbridge. We’re also aware that residents would prefer an automatic gate system be installed.

“However, it has been made clear by Network Rail that they do not consider an automatic gate system to be a viable alternative on safety grounds.

“Ultimately it is Network Rail’s property, we simply lease the walkway across the tracks. Our goal is to retain safe step-free pedestrian access, but Network Rail will have the final say over how that access can be provided in the future. Therefore, we are trying to find a workable solution that is acceptable to all parties.

“Regarding consultation, if there is to be a public consultation on the closure of the current level crossing, it will be for Network Rail to carry out. For any proposals that are to be built in their place, these would need to be considered objectively by Dorset Council in its capacity as the local planning authority.

“We will do this with full transparency through our robust planning processes, allowing everyone to have their say on such an application.

“We will await the outcome of Vikki Slade MP’s discussions with the Office of Road and Rail before we can set out what our next steps will be.

“But in the meantime, we would kindly appeal to all interested parties to please work with us – not against us - in finding a solution that works for the people of Wareham.”