COMMITMENT to a multi-million pound project to build a ramped pedestrian railway bridge at Wareham is set to be pledged by county council officials.

The joint venture between Dorset County Council and Network Rail would see ramps connect with the existing footbridge and closure of the current pedestrian level crossing.

This has proved controversial with campaigners who are against the scheme. Objectors celebrated as Purbeck District Council refused to give the scheme listed building consent in January.

Members of DCC's cabinet will discuss the future of the Wareham foot crossing at a meeting on Wednesday, with Network Rail highlighting that available funding to support the design and construction of the ramps expires in March next year.

A detailed report compiled by Andrew Martin, DCC's service director for highways and emergency planning, says the risks to the authority in terms of health and safety, financial and reputational associated with the use and operation of the proposed scheme is low.

This is compared to medium and high risks associated with the current level crossing.

Mr Martin's report says: "The introduction of new step free access connecting the highway to the existing over track footbridge at Wareham Railway Station will allow DCC to relinquish permissive rights for use of the level crossing earlier than 2038.

"In its place, a permanent public right of way will be established over the ramps and footbridge.

"The level crossing will be permanently closed and all risk associated with its use will be eliminated."

The current budget for the design and construction of the access ramps is £1.7million.

In 2016 more than 2,200 people signed a petition calling for the retention of the surface crossing.

One idea is for the gates to be linked to the signal system, in much the same way as the pedestrian crossing in Poole town centre is.

In the cabinet report it says following the refusal of listed building consent Network Rail has reiterated its position, stating that the infrastructure management company for the country's railways believes an automated barrier solution for the crossing is not a feasible solution.

A site visit by Network Rail and the Office for Rail and Road (ORR), the independent safety and economic regulator for Britain's railways, was carried out earlier this month.

The report says ORR has said if practical, level crossings should be replaced by bridges, underpasses or diversions.

Cabinet members are being asked to support a recommendation to continue the application for planning consent for the access ramps and if granted the authority will then re-apply for listed building consent and/or appeal January's refusal.

If consent is obtained, the council would then continue to fund the detailed design and determine a target for construction costs, before agreeing financial arrangements.