A RAILWAY crossing in Rockwell Green which has been closed for more than a year is set to be reopened at the fourth attempt.

Network Rail blocked off the crossing over the main railway line early last year when it started a six-month project to clean and replace stones on the track through Wellington.

It was due to reopen in October, but was still closed in the New Year when Network Rail said it would be open instead by March.

The company then revised the opening date to late May, and now has said it will be over the weekend of June 3 to 4.

Network Rail blamed the delays on the need to install a new set of crossing lights, which was held up because of difficulty finding a time to access the site.

In the meantime, Network Rail has also carried out a previously unannounced reconstruction of the crossing, which links The Basins area to Westford.

It installed a five-step metal staircase and railings to replace a set of open concrete steps without any local consultation and was criticised by now-mayor Cllr Marcus Barr, who highlighted how difficult it would now be for anybody with a buggy or mobility issues to use the crossing.

Community relations executive Chris O’Connell said although the majority of the work had been completed there had been problems fitting posts into their base which prevented the crossing opening as planned this month.

Mr O’Connell said the work should now be completed by Thursday night (June 1), allowing the crossing to be reopened at the weekend.

Meanwhile, a similar crossing which was closed on the Longforth Farm estate has also missed reopening dates while Network Rail has been carrying out an upgrade of the crossing surface and steps.