RESIDENTS have raised concerns over a "missing" pedestrian bridge over the railway line at Hamworthy, Poole.

With people moving into the Harbour Reach development at Shapwick Road, residents were expecting to see the bridge being built to allow families to get to nearby Hamworthy Park.

Instead, they have to take a lengthy detour to get across the railway tracks.

Keith Chick, a Friend of Hamworthy Park, said a link between the development and the park had been discussed since 2004.

"Why has it taken so long? It seems a straight forward issue," he said.

Chris Francombe, Borough of Poole transport policy manager, said plans for the development included the idea of a railway crossing and land was reserved for a level crossing option and a bridge option.

He said a number of options are being investigated for a pedestrian/cycle route across the line.

The council's preferred option was a level crossing, estimated to cost £70,000 to £100,000 but Network Rail's policy was to oppose any new level crossings.

Other options were for a bridge with ramps or a bridge adjacent to the boundary with Hamworthy First School, which would need very long ramps and require land from Hamworthy First School, costing £500,000 to £800,000.

The Harbour Reach development of 324 homes has provided 400m of the pedestrian/cycle route and £120,000 of the cost, with contributions expected from other Hamworthy developments.

"It is now likely that new options will be investigated with Network Rail," said Mr Francombe. "We are mindful of the concerns of residents and it is intended that a detailed progress report will be given to the next area committee in June. It is hoped that a new preferred option will be identified by then. If it is, it might be possible to build the crossing by autumn 2008."