A railway crossing used often by children has been criticised by an official report.

HM Railway Inspectorate has refused to approve the crossing in Maria Street, Harwich, and has told Railtrack to carry out repairs within six months.

But Harwich Town Council, which had raised the question of safety, remains unsatisfied, saying the inspector's report did not agree with their main point - that a visual and audible warning system is installed.

Now councillors are to lobby MP Ivan Henderson to take up the matter with the Government's Transport Secretary.

The report instructed Railtrack to redesign the crossing gates to show consistent self-closing action.

It said Railtrack should repair the crossing surface to prevent water from gathering on it and put in place a system for clearing snow from the crossing footpath.

But that did not satisfy councillors at Tuesday night's town council meeting.

Bill Mixter said: "It's frightening to think they have recognised it's not suitable yet here we still are debating a potential accident. Until that's resolved, I think the crossing should be closed."

Other councillors argued that once closed, the crossing will never reopen. Ernie Brand, who met with the inspectorate during a site visit in October, said the Maria Street crossing was a stark contrast to the crossing 150 yards down the line at Alexandra Road, where there are warning lights and sirens.

Andy Morrison said the crossing keeper, who used to ensure safety at the crossing, should have been left in place until approval was given.

Train driver Mr Morrison said: "They have disregarded all the points about safety of people crossing the railway line in front of trains."

Garry Calver said the report was "a devastating indictment on Railtrack".

He added: "It hasn't been approved - it's sub-standard. Ever since they put that crossing in, everything we've been saying has been proved to be correct."

Lindsey Thompson, Railtrack's corporate affairs manager, said: "If the inspector felt it was unsafe, he would say it would have to be closed.

"It's not unusual whenever we put crossings in to ask for minor changes."

She added the work would now be carried out within six months.

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