A PUBLIC footpath crossing the main railway line through Wellington which has been closed for the past eight months is unlikely to be reopened.

The Longforth Farm estate crossing was shut by Network Rail last October when it was considered unsafe.

Network Rail was carrying out work to upgrade the crossing surface and steps, and twice promised it would be reopened.

But now, the rail infrastructure company has applied to Somerset Council for a permanent closure and for the path to be re-routed to another crossing point close to the eastern boundary of the Pritex factory.

Network Rail said it no longer considered the 117 yards long path to be safe for the public to use to cross the railway track.

Instead, it wants to divert walkers to a 924 yards long alternative route which will involve walking westwards alongside the railway track to another crossing point.

Meanwhile, Network Rail was due this weekend to reopen a crossing in Rockwell Green which has been closed for more than a year.

The company has previously failed three times to complete work on upgrading the lights and alarm-controlled crossing point, which links The Basins to Westford.

Wellington’s new mayor, Cllr Marcus Barr, has been critical of the upgraded Westford crossing, which now features a five-step metal staircase making it difficult to use for people with buggies or mobility issues.

Cllr Barr said: “It is such a shame that Network Rail chose not to consult with the town council on its plans for the crossing, which were completely unannounced before they carried out the work.

“But I suppose what is done, is done and at least now it has been opened again people will be able to once again enjoy the beautiful walk across the Basins and through Linden Meadow which the town council now owns and on to Westford and Winsbeer.”