A LEVEL crossing between Leominster and Ludlow is to be upgraded in a bid to improve safety.

The upgrade on Ashford Bowdler's level crossing will see the current half barriers replaced by full barriers as part of a £75 million project to modernise the railway between Newport and Shrewsbury, with new signalling technology installed along the route.

The upgrade is one of a number of possibilities that the company explored in order to improve safety at the crossing and comes after a consultation exercise with the local community.

As well as the upgrade option, Network Rail also explored the possibility of closing the crossing.

A public meeting was held in the village at the beginning of January to give residents the available options and listen to their views. Local residents said they wanted to retain the level crossing and their preference was for the crossing to be upgraded.

Christine Booth, operations risk advisor for Network Rail, said: "After meeting with the community in Ashford Bowdler, we have decided upgrading the crossing is the best option to balance the need of improving safety with the concerns of local residents if the crossing was downgraded or closed."

Members of the public can report any near misses or issues with level crossings to Network Rail’s helpline on 08457 11 41 41.