FEARS are growing that lives could be put at risk by rail operator WAGN's decision to remove the level crossing operator at Highams Park station.

The company has confirmed that it will introduce a CCTV-operated scheme in June next year, Paulo Revior writes.

This means that the man who currently drops and raises the gates from the control box above the crossing will be replaced by a computer at Liverpool Street station.

Many local pedestrians and motorists are worried.

Residents want to know what will happen if there is a mechanical fault or vandalism and how well the CCTV operator will be able to view traffic and pedestrians using the crossing.

They fear the measures could lead to serious accidents, even fatalities, if the system is not foolproof.

Railtrack, which is responsible for infrastructure, said that no definite decision had been made.

A spokesman revealed that Railtrack was meeting the council to discuss the plans today (Thursday).

The company said the decision could not be finalised until consultation was carried out.

Despite this, a WAGN spokeswoman said the new system would be in place in June as part of signal route modernisation.

She said: "It is standard practice on the majority of level crossings."

The Railtrack spokesman said that any decision would be subject to approval by the rail inspectorate, which oversees safety.

He said there was no loss of safety expected. But local people are not so sure.

Derek West, 60, of Hale End Road, said: "If it will save money, they'll do it, but I can guarantee there'll be a problem if that happens. A couple of years ago a man turned left down the tracks.

"The signalman came out shouting and screaming and stopped him. If that happened now, you'd watch it on CCTV, but what could you do about it?"

Alan Kennedy, 52, a handyman, of Forest View Road, said: "I'd have thought that if anyone swayed on to the line you'd need someone there. If someone has umpteen screens in front of him, how can he see what's really happening? For profit, safety goes out the window."

Ms Mohammed, 32, a housewife, of Hale End Road, said: "I think it's dangerous. I don't trust the technology, not with what the railways are like."

Nina Cowles, 45, a receptionist, of Rolls Park Road, said: "As long as they keep an eye on it, it'll be OK, but I do think there will be a problem if there's no-one around when people get stuck halfway."