PASSENGERS of North Sheen station who are often left stranded on the level crossing and unable to catch their train have hit out at the length of time the barrier is down.

Some commuters have even been spotted pulling the barrier aside and crossing over the road in order to make it onto the platform in time.

Access to the station from the south side is via the unmanned level crossing and when it is down people walking northwards along Manor Road cannot get to the platforms.

Network Rail, who manages the tracks and level crossings, has been made aware of the problem and is currently trying to find a feasible solution.

Terry Newman from Grena Road in Richmond said: "I use North Sheen station every day. Twice last week the level crossing has been down for an abnormally long period before the 8.04am train arrived, only going up after the train has pulled into the station.

"Obviously this is frustrating for everyone. More seriously though, I saw two people pull the lowered barrier aside and cross over the road, if a fast train had been coming they would have been killed.

"While you may argue that people should not cross the barriers in this way, anyone who seriously has safety in mind must take account of human nature.

"People arriving at the level crossing in good time should be able to catch their train without having to take dangerous risks."

Calls have been made for the barriers to be raised at least two minutes before the train arrives or for the guard to hold the train until people held at the barrier can get on.

Mr Newman added: "If that interferes with the running schedule then so be it - surely that is less important than people risking their lives."

A Kew resident who has been campaigning for years about the length of time this crossing is open says that this barrier has been a "bone of contention" ever since the increase in car usage.

Roy Featherstone from Chelwood Gardens in Kew said: "In this day and age of increasing technology, I cannot see why improvements cannot be made and with the possible introduction of a new service from Heathrow to Waterloo the future fills me with dread.

"Network Rail needs to be shocked out of its complacency and be told it is no longer satisfactory."

Network Rail has been made aware of the problem, which has been backed by Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of local concerns about the level crossing and footbridge at North Sheen station and are looking into what can be done to address these issues.

"In the meantime, for their own safety it is essential for all pedestrians to obey the warning signs at the level crossing and to only cross when the barriers are raised and it is safe to do so."