Warning over plan to automate Wem level crossing

People's lives could be put at risk by emergency services being delayed if a north Shropshire level crossing is automated, a meeting heard.

Network Rail wants to replace the existing railway signal box and operator at Wem level crossing with an automated system controlled from Cardiff.

But councillors fear the £22 million scheme to install "modular signalling" along the Shrewsbury to Crewe line could cost 999 services vital seconds as they race to deal with emergencies.

Currently the signal box operator has the discretion to lift the level crossing safety barriers after they have come down if emergency services need to cross.

Under the proposals, the crossing would instead be monitored at a regional control centre using CCTV.

Councillor Doug Cooley said he was particularly concerned at the prospect of ambulances having to wait for trains to pass before bei-ng able to cross the tracks.

He said: "I was by the level crossing a few nights ago when I heard an ambulance coming through town towards the barriers, which were down.

"The operator lifted the barriers and let the ambulance through. But how will they know an ambulance is waiting to cross if it is no longer manned?"

Network Rail said it plans to hold a public information session on its proposals in the near future.