A DUSTCART crashed into a level crossing barrier at Blakedown, sending a barrier crashing on to the track, causing delays to services.

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the district council whose vehicle it was, and British Transport Police.

No-one was injured in the incident which happened at 7.58am on December 12, as the vehicle, which had one person in it, was doing its early morning rounds.

A spokeswoman for Railtrack said the dustcart hit one of the barriers in Station Drive, damaging it and sending it on to the tracks. The vehicle itself did not stray on to the track.

Normal service was resumed after the barrier was removed from the track 40 minutes later.

Keith Burgess, commercial services manager with the district council, said the dustcart received only minor damage and continued its rounds. Investigations were continuing, he added.