Network Rail has installed a passcode protected gate to keep people off the railtracks in Knaresborough.

The new gate has been put in place at Green Lane level crossing, near the Trinity Fields housing development in the town, to prevent trespassing.

Officials at the organisation worked with Harrogate Borough Council to install the facility.

Network Rail said an average of 20 to 25 people such as dog walkers or joggers illegally used the level crossing each day.

It added that in 2022 the gates were recklessly left open 20 times, posing a real risk for children, vulnerable people and animals.

The access to private land from Green Lane level crossing.

Darren Lord, north and east route level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: 

“We’re really proud to have worked with Harrogate Borough Council and the housing developers to champion this simple, quick-thinking solution which will vastly reduce risk and improve safety for the community.

“The railway isn’t the place to take a shortcut and we have to put safety first. With the new gate in place, the level crossing will be able to do what it was designed for – to help people safely cross over the railway on to their private land and remove the risk for the public.

“You can never predict when the next train is coming, so entering the railway where you’re not supposed to can be incredibly dangerous and lead to fatal or life-changing injuries.”

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The new gate will be used by authorised people to access the level crossing to reach private land.

Those people have been given the keycode and briefed on how to use the new system safely.

Cllr Tim Myatt, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for planning, added: 

“We want to ensure all residents are kept as safe as possible.

“By working with Network Rail and the housing developer to introduce this anti-trespass measure we can help prevent people illegally trespassing on to the railway.

“This measure will also help ensure the gate is not recklessly left open, reducing the risk for children, vulnerable people and animals.”

Police are appealing for information after a number of high-value goods were stolen from a new build housing estate in Knaresborough.

Criminals targeted two homes which had yet to be completed on Lapwing Crescent on the Trinity Fields development between December 18 and 19, 2022.

A washing machine, dishwasher, oven and two showers were among the items stolen from the properties.

The burglars also stole two kitchen taps, 12 kitchen handles, 12 kitchen plinth lights, 10 downlights and a cooker hood.

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“As part of ongoing enquiries, officers are appealing for information about suspicious individuals or vehicles at around the time of the burglaries.

“Also, if anyone has been offered such items for sale since 19 December.

“If you can help, please email Jacob.higgins@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Jacob Higgins.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220223539 when providing details.”

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