Network Rail has begun work to reopen the level crossing in Plumpton, Sussex and aims to have the road reopened on February 8th of this year.

Planning permission was obtained in December to remove the wooden level crossing gates that were already in Plumpton, in order to replace them with up-to-date technology.

The crossing gates have been moved temporarily but it's uncertain whether they will be used as part of the modern equivalent that will be their replacement.

Network Rail's area director Steve Knight said that he was aware that closing the road would have an immediate negative impact to the local community, but stated that the improvements will function better and more safely than the previous crossing gates.

Mr Knight said: "The work we are undertaking is not a quick process as we have to carefully remove and preserve the original crossing equipment and then install modern level crossing equipment and associated signalling technology."