WORK on a new chicane system at Watchet's Goviers Lane railway crossing has been completed - on schedule, within budget and in time for Christmas.

The £66,000 project to replace controversial self-closing gates and improve safety at the site got underway at the beginning of November.

And local people have now been given the green light to test out the success of the new solution, a partnership between West Somerset Council, West Somerset Railway, Watchet Town Council and Somerset County Council.

The former gates, installed in July 2010, sparked a storm of protest when they proved difficult for elderly, disabled or people with pushchairs to negotiate.

District council officer project officer Steve Watts said the authority was delighted that with the help and forbearance of local users the crossing had remained open while the building work had been undertaken.

And WSR general manager Paul Conibeare paid tribute to everyone involved in helping the railway secure the solution for Watchet.

"The crossing is now open for use and provides a system that is safe for both pedestrians and the railway, and much easier for disabled users," he said.

"We hope that all users of the new design of footpath crossing will take extra care when approaching the 'stop, look and listen' boards and ensure that they do not take the risk of crossing in front of any of our trains that may be approaching."

John Irven, a local community stakeholder, who worked with campaigners, the community and the partner organisations, said: "This is a great success and can hopefully serve as a 'best practice' example of how collaborative partnership working can meet local community needs, as well as demonstrating the value of the Equalities Act in helping focus how the needs of minorities can be addressed.

"We would have ideally liked this sooner but it's been well worth waiting for and gives us a wonderful Christmas present for Watchet."

Motorised wheelchair user Jean Kent, one of the supporters of the campaign to remove the gates, checked out the new system this week.

"This is a brilliant improvement for those of us using wheelchairs and buggies - it's absolutely perfect for me and my dog Nellie," she said.

An official opening ceremony involving the community is planned for February 18 and in the meantime members of the Watchet Conservation Society will be planting out some of the areas adjacent to the crossing.

Campaigners Cindy Griffiths (left) and Jean Kent with her dog Nellie are pictured trying out the new crossing.