Network Rail has fixed the level crossing in Chartham - three weeks after a 4x4 destroyed them.

The black Range Rover ploughed through them on the evening of June 16, closing Rattington Street to vehicles.

A man and woman in the car fled and have never been found.

Network Rail worked overnight to fix the gates at a cost of more than £5,500.

Chartham has one of the last manned crossings in the country.

It was the gatekeeper who alerted oncoming trains to the potential danger after the smash.

Paul Coleman, Network Rail South East’s level crossing manager, said: “I’m very grateful for the patience our neighbours have shown and their understanding of what we’ve had to do to get this crossing open again.

“The gates, which are swung open and shut by hand, are linked to the signalling system to keep road users and passengers safe.

"Without the gates, we could not keep the level crossing open as there was no way to signal trains through the village safely.

“I would also like to thank our crossing keeper, Andrew, whose quick thinking meant the trains were stopped when the incident happened.

"It was a shocking incident to witness and his actions kept everyone safe.”

Police continue to search for the driver of a Range Rover who destroyed the 30-year-old gates.

The closure caused significant disruption for villagers and visitors, with buses re-routed via Shalmsford Street.

Anyone with information about the driver or circumstances of the crash should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 16-1439.