THE cost of improving safety at Watchet's Goviers Lane railway crossing is likely to be more than £60,000.

The scheme for a chicane system would replace controversial gates which sparked an outcry when they were installed two years ago, particularly from mobility scooter and wheelchair users.

The new system has been drawn up through a partnership between the West Somerset Railway, which has pledged 25 per cent towards the cost, West Somerset Council, which it is hoped will contribute 33 per cent and Somerset County Council, on course to make a 34 per cent grant.

And this week Watchet Town Council agreed to pick up the shortfall in funding of £4,862.

Cllr Loretta Whetlor, who attended a recent stakeholders meeting on the scheme, said the Office of Rail Regulation had indicated that the crossing could have been closed.

She said the town council's contribution amounted to eight per cent of the total cost.

Cllr John Irven, who has been involved in the issue since the initial concern about the gates was raised, said it had taken two years to get to the current stage.

"We have had very good consultation with the public over this, the WSR, the district and county councils are all in agreement and approval has been given by the Rail Inspectorate."

Cllr Irven said that when the town's railway footbridge was replaced recently, it was concluded it would not have to be disability compliant because the new system on the railway crossing would be.

"Watchet Town Council needs to send a strong message by supporting this," he said.

Cllr Dave Westcott said he had not met anyone in Watchet who was not in favour of the scheme going ahead.

"We are being asked to give a small amount of money," he said. "To be seen not to support this by not contributing would not be looked at favourably by local people."

Cllr Peter Murphy said: "We all realise that we don't have a legal duty to pay this money, but we do have a moral duty to do so."