ROCKS and other objects thrown at trains are among a number of safety concerns being addressed in a public consultation.

Residents are being invited to discuss plans to close the pedestrian crossings at Brickfields Park and the Laugherne Brook Nature Reserve (Kays Crossing) in Worcester after concerns over anti-social behaviour.

Both crossings are footpaths across the railway lines rather than level crossings for cars.

The Brickfields crossing links Brickfields Park to Astwood Road and has seen numerous incidents of stones being thrown at trains.

It was closed from 2017 to 2020 under a previous PSPO which has expired.

The Kays crossing links Bromyard Road to Laugherne Brook Nature Reserve and is popular with children.

The visibility at the crossing is poor, making it difficult to see if trains are coming.

Fencing has temporarily been put in place, following several near misses where people have almost been hit by a train.

The fencing has become a regular target for vandalism.

Network Rail has asked for the crossings to be closed, because of concerns about safety at both sites, but the power to take action lies with Worcester City Council.

There are fears people could be injured while walking across the two railway lines unless action is taken, so Worcester City Council is proposing a Public Space Protection Order to close the crossings.

As a result, a six-week public consultation has been launched so residents can have their say at worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.

The results of the consultation will help the council’s communities committee to decide in November whether to go ahead with the proposed PSPOs.

Councillor James Stanley, chair of the communities committee, said: “There are strong arguments for issuing PSPOs to close these two railway crossings, to protect both local people and train passengers.

“It is important that residents have the chance to give their views on these proposals, so I would encourage them to voice their opinion.”

The deadline for completing the consultation is August 30.