A TOWN could be cut in half because safety concerns are set to force the closure of a pedestrian railway crossing, residents claim.

Officials say there has been “widespread misuse” of the crossing in Wareham, where there are warning lights but no barriers preventing people from crossing when a train is coming.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) says the crossing, between Wareham and Carey, should be considered for closure after seeing CCTV footage of close calls with trains.

But locals say it will mean the only way over the tracks is via a bridge, making it difficult for the elderly, disabled and those with prams.

Anne Selby, a town councillor and former mayor, agreed that the crossing had been abused but said it was crucial it stayed 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 warned.

Cllr Selby 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.”

Angela Stuart, who runs Carey Post Office, added: “It’s going to affect the whole town.”

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.”

A spokesman for the ORR said it would meet with Network Rail and the county council next month to discuss options, which would include alternatives if closure went ahead.

He stressed that the crossing was safe when used properly but there had been too many near misses.

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