PEOPLE crossing the railway line in Watchet to get from one side of the town to the other while the footbridge is out of bounds are putting their lives at risk, railway chiefs warned this week.

West Somerset Council was forced to close the footbridge just over three weeks ago because of safety fears over its condition.

The authority ordered a full structural survey to ascertain what work needed to be carried out and to establish the likely cost of the repairs.

It said the West Somerset Railway had agreed to allow pedestrians to use the railway platform as an alternative route to the town centre via the pedestrian crossing from Goviers Lane to the harbour car park.

But this week chairman of the Friends of Watchet Station Mike Buttel said he and other WSR volunteers were becoming increasingly concerned with the number of people crossing the railway line through the strand wire fence.

"They are showing no fear of whether there is a train due or not," said Mr Buttel.

"Thus we have a situation of an accident waiting to happen should they stumble as they jump down from the platform edge.

"This chance is likely to be greater with the damp and icy days to come making the line and sleepers more slippery.

"And with the dark nights, the chances of seeing anybody also reduces as the engine driver has very limited vision and no forward lighting."

Mr Buttel said the WSR's programme of Santa Specials, Carol Trains and Dunster by Candlelight trains would soon be underway, as well as work trains which could come through the station without stopping.

"Trains need a big stopping distance but because of the layout of the station, the driver will not have sufficient visibility to do so in time.

"The importance of the bridge has been highlighted by its closure, in as much as it is the safest way for residents and visitors to access the town and shops from this part of South Road."

Mr Buttel said some people were choosing to ignore the closure signs and still use the footbridge, while others had become "irate" when asked not to cross the line as a short cut for their own safety.

"The council cannot expect volunteers to police this situation and must realise the urgency of re-instating the bridge to public use."

A council spokesman said the authority had been made aware of the situation recently and would work with all parties to try to resolve the issue.

"We are expecting recommendations and tenders for the footbridge work to be with us shortly, which will allow us to take appropriate action.

"In the meantime, we strongly urge people to use the proper crossing. They are putting themselves and other people at risk by crossing the railway line."