A level crossing where four people have died in recent years is set to be replaced with a footbridge.

The crossing at Glebe Way in Whitstable, where there have been 19 reported incidents in the space of six years, will go under a major transformation if plans are approved by council bosses.

Submitted by Network Rail, a new caged bridge would be built 53 metres further down the line than the current crossing towards the station.

Used by hundreds of walkers every day, the Glebe Way footpath is a key link between the town centre and beach. It has been identified for closure following an All Level Crossing Risk model assessment.

New access paths from the soon-to-be-closed crossing will run west to the footbridge.

Network Rail spokesman Chris Denham said: “By replacing the Glebe Way foot crossing with a footbridge we remove the risk of anyone getting hurt or killed on our railway.

"It also means we can keep the path open so people can still get to the beach. Crossings like this are a legacy of the past and we are doing everything we can to either close them or make them safer.

“We hope that the history of this crossing will explain to our neighbours, and the people of Whitstable, why we are taking this action.”

Between 2009 and 2015, there were 19 reported incidents at the crossing.

Of these, four were fatalities and five were near misses. There was one recorded suicide intervention and one case of a person being hit by a train but not killed.

There were also four incidents of trespass and one equipment failure.

In 2015, 14-year-old schoolgirl Sacha Wheeler was killed at the crossing. A coroner ruled that the Simon Langton student was probably wearing her headphones at the time.

"By replacing the Glebe Way foot crossing with a footbridge we remove the risk of anyone getting hurt or killed on our railway" - Chris Denham, Network Rail

The crossing currently has an audio warning system which sounds a ‘train horn’ when trains approach.

Peter Halfpenny, who has campaigned for the crossing to remain open, said: “Surely it is not beyond the wit of man to design a level crossing which can trigger a visual message when a train is approaching.

“All that is needed is a visible warning system as well as the existing audible one which works very well.

“What is needed, is something like a pedestrian crossing where you get either a red or green man.”

As well as the bridge and new paths, new fencing will be erected and retaining walls on both sides of the railway track will be installed.

Bushes and trees will also have to be removed.

Mr Halfpenny, a former Labour councillor, is also critical of the planned access.

“It is essential that the level crossing at Glebe Way remains easy to use for everyone and I do not think a bridge is the best option to take.

“It is going to cost a lot of money and there are no plans for ramps – it is just steps. How are those with prams or in wheelchairs going to be able to get across?

“They are going to struggle to find alternative routes and that is not good.”

If approved, work will begin in September 2018.