High winds cause more problems at Wem level crossing

The weather caused the automated level crossing to stop working properly, meaning that someone was forced to lower the barriers manually when trains passed.

The problems are believed to have started on Tuesday afternoon and were resolved by engineers yesterday morning.

According to the Wem Mart No Rules Facebook page it caused people to run across the crossing while the lights were flashing as trains approached.

Commenting on the page, Chris Freeman said: "It happened four times in a row. People didn't know whether to cross or not. It is so dangerous.

"Both sets of barriers lifted, came down, one went up, came down, one went up then down, and finally all up again. No train in sight.

"Surely the operators watching the cameras can see this?"

Emma Clark said: "Lights were flashing and barriers were up and down, up and down.

"Eventually went up and lights stopped but no train had gone through. Twenty seconds later it all started again. It was dangerous. I'm glad I'm moving to the other side soon, so I won't have to cross."

Joanne Oliver commented: "It is an accident waiting to happen again."

Toby Higgins, spokesman for Network Rail, said: "It started on Tuesday afternoon when it was reported there were difficulties with lowering the barriers at the crossing.

"As time has passed it has been established that there have been problems with the connectors at the crossing, meaning someone has been there manually lowering the barriers whenever trains have passed."

The level crossing has faced constant problems since it became automated in 2013, which has led councillors and residents to regularly question its safety and call for new safety measures to be put in place.

In March the 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.

Members of Wem Train Station Safer Group have also called for a footbridge to be created over the town's train station after two pedestrians risked their lives by clambering over the barrier while it was down across the road.