COUNCILLORS have given their backing to a £1milion scheme to add ramps to the existing footbridge at Wareham train station.

The proposal comes despite pleas from the local community to retain the existing pedestrian level crossing, with claims that its closure would be "catastrophic".

Dorset County Council's cabinet was told that the level crossing, which is currently manned by the authority at a cost of £120,000 a year, is facing closure by Network Rail.

After exploring the number of options, the council is proposing a scheme to provide ramps that would be attached to the existing footbridge to offer a permanent accessible solution to crossing the railway.

Members were told the scheme, which would be subject to planning approval, would cost in the region of £1million and negotiations were taking place with Network Rail with a view to securing a contribution from the company.

The cabinet members heard from a number of concerned members of the local community, who were keen to retain the existing level crossing at the station, which a survey showed was used by around 1,000 people a day.

Judith Price from the Wareham Town Trust presented a petition signed by 3,300 residents calling for the level crossing to be kept open.

She said: "Anything but retention of the level crossing would be disastrous. Closure would be catastrophic."

Residents claimed the level crossing was a vital link between the north of Wareham and the main town.

Local county councillor Beryl Ezzard said: "This has never been just a railway crossing. It is the lifeblood of Wareham."

The council's director for environment and economy Mike Harries stressed that Network Rail had indicated its desire to close the level crossing and it was not in the authority's power to keep it open.

Cabinet member for environment Cllr Peter Finney added: "If Network Rail close the crossing this is the only option people will have of getting from one side to the other, unless it's by car."

The cabinet agreed to move forward with the proposals for the ramps, but also agreed to continue to negotiate with Network Rail regarding the future of the crossing as well as making a contribution to the cost of the scheme.

Council leader Cllr Robert Gould said: "We will continue with our negotiations with Network Rail to try and get the best contribution from them."