A DETAILED count of those using the Grays level crossing stills shows people risking their lives to save a few second on their journey.

The assessment was undertaken in April when the bridge was closed for repairs.

10,544 uses of the crossing were recorded, including 18 in wheelchairs and another 57 people who had difficulty walking. Another 390 people were pushing buggies or prams, 160 were on bikes and 87 had shopping trolleys or suitcases.

From that number, one person skipped off the platform and 53 crossed when the lights were flashing.

On another count, of the 8,947 who crossed, 19 tried to beat the lights.

The assessment came just weeks after Network Rail made a dramamtic u-turn in deciding to close the crossing over safety concerns, and the threat of closure has still not gone away.

Thurrock Council leader John Kent thanked those who use the crossing responsibly, but stressed there are still to many people taking big risks.

He said: “Although there can be no doubt the situation has improved, we cannot let up on this. Network Rail say they still want to close the crossing and we are still united in fighting against that.

“Everyone who uses that crossing must do so properly. As long as just one person puts their life and the lives of many others at risk by doing something stupid, then Network Rail has the excuse it needs.”

He added that he and senior council officers were keeping up the pressure on Network Rail as well as working with other partners like c2c to keep the crossing open.

He said: “We have another meeting with Network Rail coming up at the end of the month and I will let everyone know what comes of that.

“The last council meeting unanimously agreed the crossing should stay open; local people unanimously say the crossing should stay open; anyone with a concern for people with buggies, people in wheelchairs and people with walking difficulties unanimously believe the crossing should stay open.

“Don’t risk your life and don’t risk your crossing.”