A NEW layout designed to improve safety at Watchet's Goviers Lane railway crossing will come under the public spotlight next Thursday (February 23).

The West Somerset Railway and West Somerset Council will stage a joint presentation and consultation event in the town to reveal details of a proposed chicane system to replace controversial safety gates at the site.

The WSR sparked an outcry when it installed the gates around 18 months ago, leading to a 400-plus signature petition calling for their removal.

Local people claimed the gates were almost impossible for wheelchair or mobility scooter users, or parents with pushchairs, to negotiate.

The replacement chicane system was tested out in a mock-up trial last year and received a positive response from pedestrians, including many disabled people.

Now the WSR and the district council - which owns land close to the crossing - have drawn up detailed plans of the proposed new layout.

These will be available for people to see at next week's consultation, which will be held in Watchet's Phoenix Centre from 10am to 1pm.

WSR representatives will be making formal presentations on the proposals at 10.30am and 11.30am and will be available to answer questions.

WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said local stakeholders along with the WSR and district council had been working together on the plans and expected to resolve the ongoing problems with the Goviers Lane crossing.

"However, input from local residents will be very important and welcome in finalising the plans before the work begins," he said.

"We hope to welcome and hear from as many interested residents of Watchet who are able to attend the display and presentations."