RESIDENTS are set to protest after the council proposed to change a level crossing - which currently costs taxpayers £120k a year.

The future of Wareham Crossing, which has been gated and manned by a guard since 2009, has been long disputed between residents and Dorset Council.

Residents say Wareham is divided into two, with around 6000 people living on the north side and most schools, shops, recreation and health activities on the other.

However, the bridge over the railway can only be accessed by steps or a safety attendant who manually opens and closes the electronic gates, which costs £120,000 to staff.

Dorset Council has proposed to modify the crossing to a stepped footbridge with ramps or lifts in a cabinet meeting agenda, scheduled to take place on November 19.

In response to the planned meeting, residents have arranged a protest at the crossing at 11am on Saturday, November 16.

Cllr Marian Cotton, mayor of Wareham said: “I was shocked and disappointed to find out that Dorset Council is proposing to close the level crossing and replace it with ramps or lifts without consulting the town council or local community.

“These options have already been looked into and discarded.

“We were promised that automatic gates would be fully investigated but this has not happened.

“This town cannot be divided.”

Helen Geach, a resident of north Wareham, said: “There are very few facilities on this side of town and I rely on the crossing using my walker to take my cat to the vets.

“A ramped bridge would be a real barrier and I would become even more isolated.

“I don’t know how I would get into Wareham.”

Cllr Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said Dorset Council is not closing the crossing and are trying to find a permanent way for people to cross the railway safely.

Network Rail has confirmed to the council the crossing will close in 2038 when the lease expires, and a step-free solution needs to be determined.

He said: “The current arrangements are unsustainable, both practically and financially.

“The introduction of crossing attendants was always intended to be a short-term solution to maintain accessibility, and currently costs taxpayers £120,000 each year and rising.

“Keeping the current system would still result in the crossing being completely closed in 2038, and would be exorbitantly expensive in the meantime.

“Previous councils and key stakeholders have discussed the situation and debated potential solutions for many years, but the time has come to act.

“We strongly advise everyone to read the report, and follow the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 19 November.

“Working together now, we can enable everyone to safely cross the railway and get the best outcome for the Wareham community in the future.”