Network Rail says only the local farmer can use the crossing

The level crossing near their homes at East Haven, near Carnoustie, has been padlocked.

The closure is part of a new policy to prevent public access to what the company classes as private level crossings.

And despite assurances from Network Rail, residents fear that they could be left high and dry if they need an ambulance.

Fifty people live in the 20 houses between the railway and the sea at East Haven.

Safety reasons

They get to their homes by car under a low bridge, but until now larger delivery vans and vehicles like ambulances have used the level crossing.

Network Rail said the emergency services could still get across by phoning the signalman and getting the code for the combination lock.

However, local resident Wendy Murray said she had telephoned the signalman to ask what would happen if an ambulance was needed in the middle of the night

"He told me that we will not be able to get an ambulance during the night and that the paramedics would have to use the path and walk on foot for what could be up to half a mile," she said.

The gates have been padlocked

Network Rail said that was wrong and that night time calls would automatically go through to its control room.

The company said it had introduced the new policy for safety reasons.

It also argued that a 1836 act meant that only the local farmer could use the crossing.

However, East Haven's local Scottish National Party MP, Mike Weir, said: "If the villagers want to challenge that they are faced with going to a very expensive court action against a government-funded body.

"It is simply not practical."

Ramblers Scotland is fighting a nationwide campaign to get the crossings reopened.