WAREHAM’S pedestrian rail crossing looks set to close over safety fears, despite protests from residents that it will “cut the town in two”.

News of the potential closure of the level crossing between Carey and Wareham provoked a storm of protest this summer.

Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said the crossing was “high risk” and subject to widespread abuse.

But residents insisted a closure would leave them no alternative other than a bridge, which would be difficult for disabled people, the elderly and children to use.

Hundreds signed a petition calling for a barrier to be installed instead, but despite this Dorset County Council has said it is still expected the crossing will be closed.

A statement from the council said the ORR had carried out an assessment of CCTV which showed people ignoring the red “wait” signals and audio warnings.

It adds: “The ORR has said that if any further abuse takes place they will use their powers to require immediate closure of the crossing. As a consequence, it is expected that the level crossing will be closed on the grounds of public safety.”

In the meantime British Transport Police are supervising the crossing daily to ensure it is used safely while it remains open.

An update meeting with Network Rail, the ORR, officers and local councillors was held yesterday. A further meeting is scheduled for Friday.

Cllr David Budd, leader of Purbeck District Council and a county councillor, said the council was now considering alternative options for crossing the railway.

He added: “Unfortunately the minority are spoiling it for the law-abiding majority.”

Campaigners have been outraged by the news. Angela Stuart, who runs Carey Post Office, said she felt transport police had only been stationed to build a case to close the crossing.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous,” she said. “If it’s dangerous, why hasn’t it been closed for the last 40 years? The whole community is up in arms.”