Network Rail has announced the closure of a level crossing in Featherstone due to serious safety concerns.
Sportsfield Level Crossing has been placed under an emergency 21-day closure, approved by Wakefield Council, as of Thursday, April 23.
With the crossing fenced off, the nearest alternative access point is now Halfpenny Lane. Long-term options are being discussed for the future of Sportsfield Crossing.
This follows serious safety and behaviour concerns, with four serious incidents which risked resulting in injury or death recorded in two weeks.
Reports describe youths intentionally playing ‘chicken‘ with trains, while another report describes an incident of a child being placed in immediate danger by being allowed to wander onto the railway.
Risk assessment is to be carried out at both Sportsfield and Halfpennt Lane crossings, with Network Rail increasing community and school engagement to remind the public of rail safety.
All level crossing users are reminded to:
- Always read the instruction signs and check both directions for trains.
- Be alert – avoid distractions like using mobile phones or wearing headphones.
- Cross quickly and carefully – never stop at a crossing.
- Never assume it is safe because a train has just passed; another could follow soon afterwards.
“The safety of people who live near or use the railway is our top priority, and we don’t take a decision to seek an emergency level crossing closure lightly.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this closure might cause for residents but the behaviour seen at Sportsfield level crossing in recent weeks has been extremely concerning.
“We’ll work closely with the local authority and the community as we assess future options for the crossing.”
Darren Robertson-Wilson, Network Rail level crossing manager.
Responses
In the interests of health and safety a public right of way can be closed. A right of way can be cancelled, diverted, or temporarily closed in the interest of safety, though the process differs significantly depending on whether it is a public or private right of way. In England and Wales, public safety concerns—such as dangers from industrial machinery, hazardous locations, or structural issues—can be used as grounds to justify closure
So, just because a few delinquents mess about everybody else has to suffer the inconvenience of a long walk round. That’s a public right of way which no-one has the authority to block!