WAREHAM’S pedestrian level crossing will be discussed in parliament on Wednesday after Annette Brooke MP secured an adjournment debate.

The controversial topic will go under the spotlight at 11am with Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport Chris Mole MP in attendance.

The debate follows fierce opposition to plans to close the crossing between Wareham and Carey from residents who feel it will cut the town in two.

But Network Rail has highlighted serious safety issues.

It revealed Wareham was one of the worst crossings in the South West for near misses thanks to widespread misuse, people ignoring red lights and even crossing in front of moving trains.

Footage of an impatient mother crossing the tracks in front of an on-coming train

Annette said: “I acknowledge there are major safety concerns on this issue, and I hope this debate, along with the public meeting the following day, will give residents, the council and the rail operators an opportunity to find a solution that is acceptable to all.

“We need to work together to save this crossing.”

The MP said she would be calling on the Minister, Network Rail, Dorset County Council and the Office of Rail Regulation to “remind them of how important it is that we find a solution that will be beneficial to the huge number of people that rely on this crossing as well as the rail users”.

More Purbeck News