A NOTORIOUS railway underpass could become “more dangerous” when a new multi-million pound train depot opens in Brantham.

Dozens of residents packed into Brantham Village Hall on Tuesday to find out more about plans to build a £70 million train maintenance workshop on the derelict Wardle Storeys and ICI site, in Factory Lane.

A panel including Mike Kean, Greater Anglia deputy managing director, answered questions from the public.

Peter Kerry said: “I’ve lived in Brantham for 71 years now – I worked at Wardle Stories and I worked at ICI plastics for 40-plus years and I think this is the best news that Brantham has had since that factory shut.”

Ross Hamilton, from Lawford, welcomed the plan but raised concerns over increased congestion through Manningtree’s railway crossing, which has been described as one of the worst bottlenecks in the county.

He said: “Will you take the opportunity to look at the level crossing and bridge situation, as the increase in services will lead to further traffic problems?”

Mr Kean acknowledged that congestion would increase.

He said Network Rail, which is responsible for the underpass, would under take a risk assessment and “make an intervention” if needed.

“Whenever we put in place additional train services when trains go over level crossings they do a risk assessment,” he said.

“If the level crossing closes more frequently it is more dangerous, as people make bad choices like trying to jump it.

“If the level crossing is flagged as being at more risk because of additional services they will make an intervention – I don’t know what that intervention will be.”