A VILLAGE could be “cut in half” by plans to close a level crossing in Bramley.

Network Rail has re-classified the crossing at the village train station as a ‘category one risk’, meaning there is a higher risk that someone could be injured or killed.

The company aims to close the crossing by 2019.

The crossing currently closes for an average of 20 minutes every hour due to regular hourly stopping and non-stopping passenger services and freight trains.

The train service provider will begin a public consultation to hear villagers and parish councillors’ views.

Ward councillor for Bramley and Sherfield, Cllr Nick Robinson said he agreed the level crossing needs to close but also wants to ensure the right road infrastructure is in place first.

He said: “The roads around the station are all single track roads, with a single track bridge, and the closure would bring increased traffic to these areas. To be given three years to get the new roads in place is impossible.

“This is going to be a major project, costing millions so we need to get it right, and we need to try and push back Network Rail’s proposed date.”

He added: “If they close the crossing and we do not have at least a footbridge in place it will cut the village in half.

“Children will not be able to get to the school, shoppers can’t get to the shops, drinkers can’t get to the pub and commuters wouldn’t be able to get to their cars.”

In a letter to the chairman of Bramley Parish Council, Cllr Tony Durant, from acting Wessex route director of Network Rail, Stuart Kistruck, he said incidents of misuse had increased since 2013.

He said he was keen to discuss the options available with councillors. Mr Kistruck added: “Network Rail would be willing to part-fund a project to close the crossing.”