Call to close path on rail tracks

Children dicing with death on railway tracks have prompted renewed calls for a footpath across the West Coast mainline in Stafford to be closed.

The call comes after youngsters were spotted dumping pieces of stone ballast on the tracks in the Rickerscote area of the town.

Councillor Trish Rowlands said the incident on Thursday had endangered the lives of both the youngsters and railway users. She said she had been trying to get the footpath across the line on Gravel lane diverted.

In response to residents' concerns, local councillors and the local community police officer, PC Stewart Bishop, are supporting the British Transport Police's campaign to convince young people of the dangers they face.

PC Bishop will be going into local schools to reinforce this message.

Councillor Rowlands, who represents the Manor ward, said: "I have been trying to get this crossing closed by diverting the footpath. Unfortunately there appear to be objections to this."