FEARS over safety at a level crossing in Minety have been raised again after a resident witnessed several car crashes nearby.

The village’s level crossing reopened in October last year following an upgrade to become an unmanned crossing.

Minety resident Peter Lavery has gone so far as to commission his own audit into the safety of the road and says he has seen three accidents since the crossing was activated.

One of the accidents allegedly saw a woman trapped on the crossing, while a head-on collision in January of this year seriously damaged two cars but only caused minor injuries.

Mr Lavery has contacted Wiltshire Council’s highways and transport department but fears he is not being taken seriously.

Mr Lavery told the Standard: “It’s not just a little bit wrong, it’s completely wrong. They are playing a sort of Russian roulette with our lives and with motorists’ lives by allowing this dangerous situation.

“The council have a duty of care and that’s what should be foremost in their minds.”

Mr Lavery has claimed that the measurements he commissioned and those taken by his neighbours determined that two cars cannot pass through the level crossing at the same time despite what the council says.

As well as this Mr Lavery’s audit and the audit carried out on behalf of Wiltshire Council do not agree on the point at which the other side of the crossing can been seen while approaching along Crossing Lane.

Wiltshire Councillor for Minety Chuck Berry said: "I am concerned if there is demonstrable safety issue.

"The collisions have been considered by the highways team and apart from clearly an issue with the drivers not taking enough care, we will make sure the issue is considered fully, with safety a key consideration."

A Wiltshire Council spokesman added: “We are very satisfied with the safety of the crossing which has been audited by an independent expert.

“However, Network Rail is also arranging for some additional warning signs to be put up for the drivers who will be approaching the crossing.

“We will also continue to monitor the crossing, and the speeds of vehicles approaching it, over the coming months.”