Bosses' safety vow over Wem level crossing

The barriers have either failed to close or failed to lift at different times.

Wem crossing has been mired in controversy since it became automated in 2013 and regularly causes traffic tailbacks.

Councillors and residents have regularly questioned its safety and repeatedly called for new safety measures to be put in place.

And they had the chance to raise their concerns with representatives from Network Rail, British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Wales during a question and answer event held in the Town Hall yesterday.

Network Rail staff used the meeting to reassure townspeople that the crossing is safe, while also listening to their concerns.

Jim Metcalfe, who works as a level crossings manager for Network Rail, said: "The signal equipment is being improved at the crossing all the time.

"I am there every 14 weeks – minimum – to check everything is safe myself."

He added: "We understand the crossing in Wem is an issue.

"Level crossing awareness is part of my role and I will be going into schools in Shropshire to keep on spreading the message to as many people as possible. This works as when there is more awareness the number of incidents decrease.

"Level crossings are dangerous places – but if used correctly are safe.

"We are continuing to work with Shropshire Council to improve Wem crossing – it is a continual process.

"We have a responsibility to make sure the crossing is safe at all times."

Mark Lloyd, a member of residents' group Wem Train Station Safer, said he was pleased with how many official representatives attended the meeting.

He said: "Network Rail have been really good listening to residents and working with us. We are all working towards the same goal.

"They have been brilliant and the event has gone really well.

"However this type of event should have been arranged when the barriers first went automatic.

"But the message is getting out there now. People have calmed down about the crossing."

The latest problem with the crossing happened in March when automatic safety barriers failed to close despite flashing lights warning of an approaching train.

Network Rail said the barriers did not go down because of a temporary road diversion sign causing an obstruction, and the train went through at a reduced speed.

Previous problems have included a signal fault which caused the crossing to slam shut for three hours, causing massive tailbacks for motorists, including an ambulance.

As part of yesterday's event, school children watched a performance of "Off the Level", a 30-minute play about level crossing safety performed by the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre group.

Pauline Dee, Shropshire councillor for Wem, said: "This event has been great for the town.

"I have spoken to some of the school children and they all said the performance was really useful and understood the message to pass on about railway crossing safety.

"If the children can then spread the safety advice to their parents then that is great."

Councillor John Murray, mayor of Wem, welcomed the safety event and said it was important that the crossing was regularly monitored.

He added: "I think it is great to see Network Rail speaking to residents at last.

"The event is brilliant and it is fantastic to see so many people coming to have a look.

"I think we have pestered Network Rail enough now and they are listening to us.

"But now we have to keep the pressure on.

"Solutions still need to be found.

"However, I feel much happier now this event has taken place – but all the councillors will not be satisfied until a solution is found."