The footpath which crosses the main railway line at Rockwell Green has suffered a further delay to its planned reopening.

The crossing, which links The Basins to Westford, was due to reopen in October 2022, after works to the line were set to be completed by Network Rail.

After it failed to open in October, it was hoped works could be completed by March.

However the date of the reopening has been put back again, with Network Rail saying it will open no earlier than May 21.

In an email sent to Welington Town Council, Network Rail said: "Unfortunately, the date has been moved until at least May 21. There are various reasons for the delay i.e. industrial action/planning of possessions of the track."

Wellington Town Council Clerk, Dave Farrow, said the council is working to see the crossing reopened: "We will continue to do what we can to exert pressure to get the crossing reopened."

The Westford crossing is one of two in the Wellington area to remain shut, with the footpath near the Longforth Farm still out of use.

Network Rail were carrying out works to upgrade the crossing surface and steps, and said the crossing would reopen this Spring.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Owing to a number of factors including industrial action and maintenance of the track, the reopening of Westford foot crossing will be delayed until at least Sunday, May 21.

“We understand that this will be frustrating for residents and are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause. Our level crossing team are working hard to ensure that the crossing can be reopened as soon as it’s safe to do so.”