A SAFETY campaign is being launched after a series of near misses at a pedestrian railway crossing near Wareham train station.

The crossing connecting Northport and Bere Road is just 150 yards east of Wareham railway station and is a well-used link between residential areas and the town.

Dorset County Council is warning people to use it properly or risk it being permanently closed down.

More than 1,000 campaign leaflets are being delivered to local homes and businesses reminding people of the safety rules.

Steve Knight, of Network Rail, said: "People using the crossing have become complacent and are ignoring the warning signs, lights and audible alarm.

"To date, no one has been injured but train drivers regularly report near misses which could have resulted in injuries or even death."

Hilary Cox, Dorset county council's cabinet member for environmental services, said: "The crossing was installed by the county council after an agreement with British Rail in 1988.

"If the public continue to misuse the crossing we might be forced to permanently close it.

"The only alternative is a nearby footbridge, which would obviously pose considerable difficulties for people with disabilities, the elderly and parents with prams or pushchairs."

The crossing has miniature signal lights which show green when people should cross and red when they should not. There is also an audible warning alarm and signs reminding people how to use it.

Mike Kersley, South West Trains' head of safety, said: "Crossing misuse can be a harrowing ordeal for train drivers and many have had bad experiences at Wareham. The rules are clear cut - when the lights are red - don't cross."

Since 2001, nine near misses have been reported including cyclists, the elderly, dog walkers, women and children.

First published: October 27