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18
Nov
Knaresborough level crossing could close after ‘shocking’ number of near misses
A level crossing in Knaresborough could be closed amid concerns about the “shocking” number of near misses involving trains and children.
Representatives from Network Rail and Knaresborough Town Council met at the Frogmire Dike crossing yesterday.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Hannah Gostlow, who was among those present, told a town council meeting later in the day she supported moves to eliminate the public right of way over the crossing.
Cllr Gostlow said:
“The information about the number of near misses was quite shocking.”
She said the level crossing was close to a bend and many people did not hear trains until the last minute. Network Rail had cut back vegetation to improve visibility but further action was necessary, she added.
Fellow Lib Dem Cllr Andy Bell said safety at the crossing had been an issue for a “long, long time” and new housing in the area and Inspire Youth’s relocation to nearby Halfpenny Close had increased the risk.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret after the meeting, Cllr Bell said:
Network Rail tell us the crossing is used by 38 people a day on average and most of these are children. There have been a number of incidents and one very near miss in recent years. There are two other much safer crossings within a few hundred metres either side.
Cllr Matt Walker, another Lib Dem, said Network Rail had informed councillors the level crossing had been assessed as one of the most dangerous in the area and was a “real concern”.
Conservative John Batt said he used to work for Railtrack and “elimination (of the crossing) is probably the best thing” due to the safety risk.
A formal proposal to close the right of way — a process that could take six months — is expected to be debated by the town council soon.
A Network Rail spokesperson told the Stray Ferret:
As part of our national level crossing strategy, we identify and explore options for crossings which are deemed to be of high risk, ranging from pedestrian sight lines to regular incidents of misuse and vandalism leading to near misses.
We are in the early stages of gauging opinion on the potential closure of Frogmire Lane level crossing and met with town councillors this week to discuss the matter.
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