RESIDENTS are renewing their plea to allow pedestrians more time crossing a railway line.

Villagers claim Network Rail currently allows just seven seconds between the siren sounding and lights flashing and the gates coming down at unmanned crossings in Coach Road and Station Road, Alresford.

They say that is not enough time, particularly for older people and parents with young children.

Following two safety barrier incidents involving elderly women last year, the parish council has been campaigning for a rethink by Network Rail. Last October, 90-year-old Joan Pratt was struck by the barrier at Station Road. Less than two months before, Yvonne Bird, 83, was concussed when she was hit by the automatic gate at Coach Road.

Alresford station adopter Frank Belgrove said: “We are not happy with the seven seconds. There is no warning once people have gone past the barrier. There is only the siren, which is not good for the hard of hearing.

“People can’t see the flashing lights because they are facing the wrong way in front of them or they are behind them. But the main concern is the time. A few more seconds is not going to affect Network Rail. Four or five more seconds is all we’re asking.”

Parish councillors, together with Tendring Council officers and district councillor Gary Scott, are due to meet Network Rail later this month to view CCTV film of the crossings.

Mr Belgrove said: “We are pleased we have been invited. It is a bit of a breakthrough. This is an issue as far as we are concerned, bearing in mind the number of elderly in Alresford.

“We support Network Rail. We know some people misuse the railway. We are just asking for a few more seconds for people to get across. I feel the crossings are not safe until something is done.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are meeting councillors on February 27 to explain how the crossings work and to understand their concerns.

“Alresford is regularly assessed to ensure it complies fully with all relevant rules, regulations and legislation governing the safe operation of level crossings, which it does.’’