A MAJOR study is being launched into ways of improving safety at a notorious pedestrian crossing in Malvern where three people have been killed.

Worcestershire County Council and Network Rail have joined forces to carry out a feasibility study into safety improvement at the footpath over the railway line, at Jamaica Road, Malvern.

It follows several meetings between West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer and Network Rail last year over safety at the crossing.

Seventy-three-year old Dave Boycott, of Matthias Close, Malvern Link, died in May 2001, after being hit by a train as he was trying to pull his dog from the pedestrian crossing.

Lily Tandy, aged 70, of Jamaica Road, died in 1988, as she was walking over the railway line and, nine months later, 67-year-old Frank Shelton, of Bosbury Road, was also killed at the scene after being struck by a train.

As part of the feasibility study, Network Rail will consider various options to improve safety at the crossing, which links Jamaica Road with Hanbury Road.

These include the installation of a bridge over the railway tracks or an underpass beneath the railway line, together with improved signage and signalling.

Worcestershire County Council has agreed to contribute 50 per cent of the costs of the study, which will begin this autumn.

It is not known yet known how much it is expected to cost but will last for several months.

"We are interested in better pedestrian facilities and so, as part of that, we are keen to improve the safety of the crossing to encourage further pedestrian use," said Mike Davis, highways partnership manager with Worcestershire County Council.

"It's the county council's policy to encourage sustainable transport and encouraging people to cycle and walk so if we improve this crossing then it is working towards our policy."

A petition was set up after the first two deaths calling for the crossing to be closed, but British Rail refused, saying too many people wanted it to remain open.

"I am delighted that, following my involvement in this issue for several years, at last some action is being taken," said Sir Michael.

"Every effort must be made to ensure there are no more disasters there ever again."