RESIDENTS are being invited to learn more about plans to replace the footpath level crossing at Wool.

Network Rail is organising a drop-in session where plans for a new footbridge will be discussed.

The organisation is looking to carry out works at the stiled pedestrian crossing around 200m to the west of the station, adjacent to The Ship Inn pub.

The drop-in session will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at the D’Urberville Centre and Village Hall, Colliers Lane, Wool.

Members of the Network Rail team will be on hand between 2pm and 8pm to answer questions and update residents on the proposed changes and how the project will affect the area between.

Network Rail is proposing to close the footpath at Wool and replace it with a stepped footbridge. The crossing has been identified as "high risk" owing to the number of trains that pass through it and the poor visibility for both trains and users at the crossing.

As part of this project, Network Rail consulted Wool Parish Council, Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council to establish the best alternative.

Andrew Latimer, Network Rail’s project manager, said: “Every time a footpath or a road meets the railway, there is a risk and it is our aim to reduce this as much as we can. We have closed more than 900 level crossings in the last five years and we know the safest level crossing is a closed one.

"We believe the new footbridge offers the safest option for the community to cross the railway. We look forward to sharing our plans with the community and to answer any questions they may have."

For further information about the project, residents can contact Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 114141.