A popular level crossing where nearly 250 incidents of misuse were recorded in just over a week has been temporarily closed.

The Cottonmill Lane footpath level crossing in St Albans was closed last week after Network Rail’s level crossing team monitored 248 incidents within nine days earlier this month.

The people using the crossing were either wearing headphones or using mobile phones, which could have prevented them from hearing an approaching train, groups of youths were loitering on the tracks and one young person sitting and lying down on the crossing.

Based on the evidence a decision was made for an emergency closure while Network Rail looks at options to permanently close the level crossing and provide users with a safer alternative for crossing the railway.

Gemma Duffy, route level crossing manager, said: “The high number of incidents of misuse raised serious concerns within our safety team, prompting the emergency closure of this crossing with immediate effect.

“Trains travel on this section of line at speeds of up to 50mph and because of the track layout and curve of the line, the visibility of an approaching train by anyone using the crossing is limited.

“We are committed to improving safety at level crossings wherever possible and we will work with the local authority and crossing users to improve safety at this crossing as soon as possible.”

Liberal Democrat County Councillor Sandy Walkington has express his dismay when it was suggested the level crossing would be closed.

He said: “We know that Network Rail have a national programme to close pedestrian level crossings across their network.

“But this crossing is not over a mainline in the middle of nowhere. It is an incredibly well used pedestrian and cycle route – as an integral part of the new Green Ring and providing car-free access from town to the Griffiths Way Retail Park and Westminster Lodge.

“People use it constantly and there is no equivalent pedestrian route that does not involve a significant detour and the use of heavily trafficked streets.

“It seems that Network Rail conducted a census of the crossing, observed a small number of people behaving in an unsafe manner, and have suggested that the crossing should be closed immediately with no alternative provision.

“Clearly safety has to be paramount, but in some ways the fault is Network Rail’s.

“There is no warning bells or flashing lights at the crossing, warning signage is pretty minimal. They are not exactly highlighting the risks.

“Their own census shows that thousands of people use the crossing and you only have to go there to see the stream of cyclists, mums with buggies, people on mobility scooters, users of the Alban Way and local residents taking a useful short-cut to school.

“We must keep matters in proportion. If plans had gone forward to convert the line into a tramway, there would have been no problems with a foot crossing even though rail movements would have increased. We should start with a publicity and education programme highlighting the dangers if people behave stupidly, and Network Rail should immediately address the shortcomings of the existing crossing.

“That will then give time to consider whether a bridge is needed and how it should be designed.”

Network Rail is currently working with both the parish and county council and will communicate with people in the area as soon as possible to discuss the crossing and provide updates about its future.