Emergency closure granted for Featherstone level crossing where youths were playing ’chicken’

An emergency 21-day closure has been approved by Wakefield Council, starting on Thursday (April 23) – which is when the crossing was fenced off.

It follows four instances of dangerous misuse in a two-week period, which could have resulted in serious injury or death.

Reports have described youths deliberately putting themselves at risk by playing “chicken” with trains, while in another incident a child was placed in immediate danger by being allowed to wander onto the railway.

The crossing was closed off on Thursday afternoon, with the nearest alternative access point being a few minutes’ walk to the east at Halfpenny Lane.

Darren Robertson-Wilson, level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “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.”

Longer term options for Sportsfield level crossing are currently under discussion.

Network Rail will explore adding new safety measures before it can be reopened, including possibly installing a system of warning lights.

New risk assessments will also be carried out at both Sportsfield and Halfpenny Lane crossings.

In addition, Network Rail will ‘step up’ its community and school engagement to reinforce rail safety messages to young people.