Assurance on Wem signal box plan

A £20 million scheme to scrap manned signal boxes on a level crossing which is one of the most misused in Britain will not compromise public safety, a meeting heard.

Network Rail is to replace the signal boxes on the Shrewsbury to Crewe line at Wem with automatic equipment. At Wem Town Council last night officials dismissed fears the move could increase the risk of accidents.

Darren Cooke, project manager, revealed the 32-mile stretch would be the first in the country to use the new technology, despite recent figures naming Wem Britain's sixth most misused level crossing. He said the new equipment, already used in Europe, would be safe .

He said: "If anything was to fail the system would put the train signals on red and there would be an error message to the control centre."

The upgrade would enhance safety and save Network Rail money in long- term running costs but see two jobs lost, he said.