IMPROVEMENTS have been promised to make a railway crossing safer.

Network Rail has announced it will redirect the footpath over the railway at Stone Crossing station over a new bridge.

The current poorly-lit path and level crossing system which is not permanently manned have been heavily criticised for a number of years.

Stone Parish Council chairman John Burrell said: "I have been on the parish council for five years and it has been an important issue for people.

"You can sit and wait for 10 to 15 minutes for the gates to rise so you can cross.

"And they’re closed late at night so people have to cross over the bridge.

"The lighting has been improved on it but it is still fairly worrying down there at night."

A new bridge is now being planned and Cllr Burrell said it is expected to be open by 2014.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "After working closely with the local parish council, it has been agreed to take forward the closure of the footpath over the railway at Stone Crossing and redirect it over a new footbridge.

"The bridge is currently being designed and we will work to install and open it as soon as possible."

Cllr Burrell said he was "extremely happy" and "really looking forward" to the new bridge.

He said: "It will particularly benefit the people in Charles Street and in the warehouse nearby."

Two weeks ago, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson raised his concerns over safety at the station with parliament.

He said: "I am extremely pleased about the news that Network Rail have agreed to build a new footbridge at Stone Crossing Station.

"At the moment it is a dark and threatening place for commuters arriving at the station on the last few trains out of London arriving in Stone when staff are no longer manning the station.

"A new footbridge will mean that instead of having to walk round a dark path to exit the station commuters will be able to cross over safely in a well lit environment.

"A number of residents have contacted me about this problems and I have made representations to Network Rail on this issue. I very much welcome the news that it is close to being resolved.”