THURROCK Council have confirmed that Network Rail set a provisional date to close Grays level crossing next month before back tracking on the decision this morning.

As revealed by the Gazette yesterday, rail bosses said that the crossing would close on April 25 because of ongoing fears over safety with people continuously crossing the tracks with the barriers down.

Thurrock Council met with Network Rail last week and said they were “dismayed” when the rail body put forward the date.

Network Rail this morning back tracked on the date following public outcry and said no decision has yet been taken, but the council have said by closing the crossing, Grays would be “cut in two”.

The leaders of all four of Thurrock’s political groups and business leaders in the town have written to the government demanding the crossing be kept open.

David Bull, Thurrock Council’s Director of Planning and Transportation, said: “We fear Network Rail are threatening this action without thinking things through.

“Not only will their decision cut Grays in two, it will make visits to the town centre nearly impossible for people in wheelchairs, those who have difficulty walking, parents with buggies and prams and even those struggling home with bags of shopping.

“Using that old bridge is not enticing for those of us who are fully fit.”

He added: “And I don’t think they have explored all the options nor even considered what will happen if they put a six-foot or even an eight-foot fence across. The idiots who now try and short-cut the trip will still jump off the platform thinking they can reach the High Street only to find they can’t.

“Whether it’s alcohol or any other reason, these people are obviously not thinking straight at the moment, why will a fence make them think differently?”

Steve Cassidy, Network Rail area director, said: “People are still putting their lives in danger and we are very worried that someone might seriously hurt themselves.

“Over the next few weeks, we will do everything we can to reduce the number of incidents by continuing to work with the council and the police. Ignoring safety measures at a crossing can result in tragic consequences and this is something we want to prevent."

Network Rail is holding a second awareness day at Grays level crossing on Wednesday, April 1, between 7.30am and 12.30pm.