SUPPORT is growing for a campaign to make controversial new safety gates at Watchet's railway crossing more disabled friendly.

A petition calling for the removal of the gates has been launched and this week two local teenagers conducted a mini survey to test the views of people in the town.

The Free Press exclusively revealed the backlash against West Somerset Railway's decision to install the structure at the Goviers Lane crossing last month.

People in wheelchairs or disabled scooters, as well as parents with prams and pushchairs have found it almost impossible to negotiate the gates without help.

And opponents claim the unwelcome new addition - which replaces flashing warning lights - have effectively closed off a vital access route across the town for a vulnerable section of the community.

The mini survey, conducted by 14-year-olds Meredith Gray and Phoebe Croucher on Wednesday, charted the views of a total of 122 local people.

The girls spent just two hours with their clipboards and an overwhelming majority of those questioned - 91 per cent - said they found the gates more difficult or impossible to use than the previous system.

And 70 per cent also believed the gates were less safe than the lights.

Izzy Sylvester, Meredith's mother, said just seven people thought the gates were easy to negotiate.

"People feel as strongly as they did when the gates were first put up," said Ms Sylvester.

"Meredith and Phoebe came up with the idea of conducting this survey because they felt something had to be done.

"We are determined not to give up and these gates either have to be removed or altered so that disabled people can use them.

"People are very upset about this and everybody who passed by wanted to give their views or sign the petition."

The petition has been launched by local woman Cindy Griffiths, who has lived in the town for more than 34 years.

"It is currently available for people to sign in the Co-Op supermarkets in Swain Street and Liddymore Road," said Mrs Griffiths.

"I don't know how many signatures we have collected so far but it will be running for a while yet.

"There are so many people who are affected by this and we are determined to get something done."

The petition and the results of the survey will be handed to WSR bosses as part of the ongoing campaign to persuade the heritage line and top tourist attraction to change its mind.

WSR general manager Paul Conibeare told the Free Press in July that the former lights at the crossing had been continually vandalised.

He said the decision to install the gates had been taken after consultation with Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council and Watchet Town Council and had been designed to meet National Rail's national standards, with guidance from Her Majesty's Inspectorate.

This week he was adamant that the gates would not be removed and said work was continuing only to deaden the sound for nearby residents.

"The majority of users are using them safely and responsibly so the gates will remain," he said.

Photo: Steve Guscott