CLAIMS that a level crossing gate in Droitwich is "broken" and "dangerous" have been denied by Network Rail.

Worried resident John Cook, who lives in Oakleigh Road, said one of the gates at the Colford crossing, which leads from Teesdale Close to Westbury Avenue, is broken and frequently left wide open.

Responding to his concerns, a spokesperson for Network Rail, which manages the line, said: "I spoke to the level crossing manager and he said there is no issue with the gate. We have done a full inspection."

However Mr Cook is continuing his campaign to get the gate strengthened and has called for Droitwich MP Nigel Huddleston to come and see the crossing.

The former Droitwich Town Councillor said: "I'm absolutely appalled. They say they have been out to inspect them and there is nothing wrong with them.

"I'm not going to sit back, I have been doing it for far too many years to accept that is not a problem with the gate.

"There is a crack in the metal work and they don't think there is anything wrong with it."

In the past Mr Cook has voiced concerns that young children could open the gate, which leads to a footpath over the railway track.

He is calling for the gates to be made higher and with a better locking device.

Speaking to the Droitwich News last week, Mr Cook said: "People are coming down and pushing the gate completely back, making it stay open completely – this is very dangerous.

"The gate is all distorted. The one gate is broken, it is coming away from its bearing. The gates, in my opinion, are not very safe."

Network Rail provides guidance to pedestrians using level crossings such as the one in Chawson.

It advises people to concentrate, be vigilant for oncoming trains, cross quickly and adhere to warnings such as lights, barriers and alarms.

For information, visit networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/.