PLANS to close or downgrade level crossings have been shelved after a public outcry - although several closures will still go ahead.

Network Rail has withdrawn a planned closure of a crossing at Frating Abbey, Great Bentley, saying the diversion route would be too long.

Flooding concerns have also halted plans to close or downgrade a crossing at Josselyns, in Mount Bures, and at Kings Farm, in Lamarsh.

A crossing near Marks Tey has also been saved.

However, six crossings will be closed or downgraded in the Colchester area.

They are Long Green, Marks Tey, another in Stanway, Thornfield Wood and Golden Square, in Wakes Colne, and Wivenhoe Park and Paget, in Wivenhoe.

In the Tendring area, eight crossings will be closed or downgraded.

They are at Abbotts, in Ardleigh, the Wheatsheaf, in Wrabness, Maria Street, in Harwich, Sandpit and High Elm, in Elmstead, Blue House, in Frinton, and at Great Bentley station and Lords, in Great Bentley.

Network Rail also announced a footbridge would be built at Wivenhoe as part of its plans.

The company said the final crossing proposals would improve safety by reducing the exposure of the public to passing trains.

It said it will also make it easier to develop faster and more frequent services.

Its proposals have been passed to Transport Secretary and today a Notice of Application For an Order was published.

Three rounds of consultation have been held into the changes and people still have until May 12 to register any further object to the changes.

If agreed, the closures or modifications will be implemented from late 2018.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “We understand that public rights of way are an important part of life in this region and have maintained connectivity where possible in our plans.

“We are committed to improving safety and efficiency at level crossings as part of our plan.”