Campaigners celebrate as controversial Wareham level crossing refused

Credit: ITV Meridian

Campaigners are celebrating after Dorset County Council refused permission to replace a level crossing at Wareham railway station.

At a packed council meeting, campaigners claimed building a bridge with a steep ramp would cut the town in half.

The existing crossing is the only pedestrian route between the north and south of the town.

Many locals turned up to hear the county council's decision Credit: ITV Meridian

The Mayor of Wareham says the disabled access on the new crossing would have been "impossible".

Carol Turner, Mayor of Wareham

The current level crossing at Wareham was once branded one of the most dangerous in the country.

Seven years ago, electronic gates were installed as a temporary solution, but Network Rail says the existing level crossing is too dangerous.

Cllr David Jones, Dorset County Council