A ROAD has had to be closed until further notice after a level crossing gate was hit by a car which drove off without stopping. The gate in Mystole Lane, Chilham, was so badly damaged, just before 7pm on Monday, that it was impossible for crossing keeper Sheila Carrigan to operate it.

A Railtrack spokesman said a blue car hit the gate on the Chilham side of the lane and then left at speed. The gate had been secured so that trains could run at normal speeds but it could not be opened for road traffic.

How soon the gate could be replaced depended on whether there was a new one in stock. "If it is not a standard size a new gate may have to be made specially which will take time," he said. Insp Dave Brady of the British Transport Police, based at Ashford, said: "Anyone who can help with inquiries can call us free of charge on 0800 405040."