A DISGRUNTLED resident is calling on Network Rail to carry out urgent repairs at a "disgraceful" level crossing.

John Cook, from Oakleigh Road, said one of the gates at Droitwich's Colford crossing, which leads from Teesdale Close to Westbury Avenue, is broken and is frequently left wide open.

Speaking just weeks after he reported seeing two figures walking down the railway lines in the Chawson area of Droitwich, Mr Cook has renewed his campaign to get the "dangerous" gate strengthened and has also called attention to a section of missing fencing.

He said: "People are coming down and pushing the gate completely back, making it stay open completely - this is very dangerous.

"They push the gate right back putting a lot of pressure on the metal gate on the Teesdale side. 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."

Mr Cook, a former Droitwich Town Councillor, said the gates should be made higher with a better locking device.

"A two-year-old or a five-year-old could easily open them," claimed the former Labour councillor.

He continued: "It is a disgrace, it is absolutely disgraceful. They can't close because it is known as a bridle path and a bridle path can't be closed off. The only alternative would be to invest some money in a over rail crossing."

The Droitwich resident also invited MP for Mid-Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston to see the crossing.

Although approached for a comment, at the time of going to press Network Rail had not responded.

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 more information visit networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/