POWER lines suspended above the railway track from Bromsgrove to Barnt Green will be energised at 25,000 volts next month.

Network Rail are warning residents and rail users to take extra care in the vicinity of the line, which will be become live from December 27.

The section between the two stations is the latest to be energised, as part of an ongoing programme to electrify key rail routes across the Midlands.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "It is extremely dangerous for any person to be in close proximity - 9ft - of the equipment, including supporting masts, switch feeds and cables.

"There is, of course, no danger to any persons, provided they do not enter onto railway land, and are always more than nine feet from the overhead lines if their property is adjacent to the railway.

"This includes any tools, plant or materials that may be handled and encroachment onto Network Rail land or air space could place them in serious danger."

The company is also advising readers of the 'problems that could arise from the use of cranes, ladders, scaffolding, hose-pipes and the emission into the atmosphere of flammable gases of vapours'.

For more information contact Network Rail's national helpline on 03457 114141.