SAFETY concerns over Poole's town centre's "problematic" railway crossing has led Network Rail to announce it intends to close the pedestrian route at a future date.

In a letter to Borough of Poole, responding to the town centre core strategy review, the company said: "Current misuse of the crossing (both deliberate and accidental) by either swinging or climbing on the barriers or people becoming trapped is posing a safety risk."

It pointed out that it became extremely busy which made it more difficult for the controller and crossing users.

"Due to the movement away from the local signaller in his small signal box and the placing of this crossing on a much larger panel at Basingstoke, signallers are finding it increasingly difficult to undertake their job effectively and safely."

The letter adds: "Ideally we will be looking to close this crossing as this will provide the safest solution in combatting the issues mentioned above and the increased safety risk any further development in the area would create."

It asks for this to be taken into account, and suggests the light-controlled crossing be replaced with an overpass or walkway.

Town centre Poole People councillor Mark Howell, who has called for a new crossing with access for disabled people said: "Network Rail have set out their safety concerns and put the council on notice that they are likely to seek closure of the High Street crossing at some point.

"It is time for the council to show some initiative and engage Network Rail in discussions about the possibility of incorporating an alternative bridged crossing within a wider redevelopment of the Sainsburys/Seldown sites."

Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, Borough of Poole said: “We are aware that Network Rail has a number of safety and operational issues regarding the level crossing in Poole. There is no immediate threat of closure and Network Rail has requested that we consider these issues as part of our longer term planning for the town centre."

He said they were working closely with the company to find a solution while retaining and improving access along the High Street.

Panel The Echo has reported instances where people have been trapped, struck by the barriers or on occasions youngsters lifted up and left hanging in the air.

In June 2014 we reported on the bravery of Poole man Jimmy Skillings, 25, who shot under the barrier to rescue a woman in her 70s who was trapped after being struck on the head by a barrier and falling backward across the line. He helped the woman, who walked with a stick, up and got her to safety.

In June this year Gretta Shearing, 81, from Denmark Road was left stranded on her mobility scooter between the barriers until her husband Sid and another man manhandled the barrier until she was able to get underneath.

Network Rail has said in a statement: "Poole High Street level crossing has very high levels of of use by pedestrians and for that reason it also has the highest level of protection a level crossing can have. This includes full barriers, lights and an audible warning alarm."