A farmer who was nearly killed by a train while driving his tractor across a level crossing has voiced his concerns over the safety of a planned bypass.

John Little, of Rettendon Place Farm, Rettendon, miraculously escaped when his tractor became stuck on the level crossing while he was driving it across the rail line which runs through one of his fields seven years ago.

Now he is concerned at proposals by Essex County Council to build a bridge near the farm as part of the planned A130 bypass.

Mr Little, who runs the farm with his son Richard, is worried the proposed Ashdale Bridge will obscure the view of the rail crossing for tractor drivers.

Richard Ramsay, representing Mr Little at a public inquiry into the controversial bypass, said: "The rail crossing is dangerous but it will be made more dangerous by the building of the Ashdale Bridge across it.

"Drivers crossing the railway need a straight sight line to cross and this could be hampered by the bridge.

"If they did not have a clear view up and down the track it would be very dangerous."

Mr Little added: "I fully approve of the scheme to build the A130 and I have supported it since the beginning.

"I just would like some adjustments made to take safety and farming needs into account."

Mr Little also asked Essex County Council to consider changing the shape of the flood plain on his land to enable him to farm around it.

David Smith, representing the council, said the measurements and shape of the flood plain were up to the Environment Agency and not the county council.

Mr Smith said he would welcome further discussions with Mr Little and he hoped they could come to an arrangement regarding the rail crossing.

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