Level crossing warning after youths 'play chicken'

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Network Rail said there had been four instances of "dangerous misuse" at the crossing in the past fortnight

Rail bosses have condemned the behaviour of young people reported to have "played chicken" at a level crossing in West Yorkshire.

Network Rail said it was "extremely concerned" about the behaviour on railway tracks in Featherstone, with four incidents of "dangerous misuse" recorded in the past fortnight.

Besides young people "playing chicken" by standing on the tracks in front of oncoming trains, a separate incident saw a two-year-old allowed to wander onto the railway by their grandparents, according to Network Rail.

The organisation said it would carry out a risk assessment at Featherstone's Sportsfield level crossing, as well as at the neighbouring crossing on Halfpenny Lane.

Darren Robertson-Wilson, Network Rail level crossing manager, said trespassing and taking risks on the crossings could have "devastating consequences". He said: "My feeling is that we will have a serious injury or worse here very soon if these unsafe behaviours continue. We're extremely concerned by the behaviour seen recently and urge everyone to follow the level crossing safety guidelines and to speak to children and young people about the dangers. One poor decision can change lives forever."

"One poor decision can change lives forever."

Level crossing closed after youths 'play chicken'

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Network Rail said there had been four instances of "dangerous misuse" at the crossing over two weeks

A level crossing where children were spotted "playing chicken" with oncoming trains has been temporarily closed.

The emergency 21-day closure of Sportsfield level crossing in Featherstone followed "a sustained period of serious safety concerns", according to Network Rail.

There had been four instances of "dangerous misuse" in just two weeks, which also included a report of a child being allowed to wander onto the railway, and all the incidents could have resulted in serious injury or death, Network Rail said.

Darren Robertson-Wilson, the organisation's level crossing manager, said: "We'll work closely with the local authority and the community as we assess future options for the crossing."

The crossing was closed on Thursday after Wakefield Council gave its approval to the move.

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Network Rail said all the recent incidents could have resulted in someone's death

A Network Rail spokesperson said "options for added safety measures" were being explored before the crossing was reopened, including the installation of warning lights. The nearest alternative access point for pedestrians was currently at Halfpenny Lane, the spokesperson said.

Robertson-Wilson added: "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."

New risk assessments would be carried out at both the Sportsfield and Halfpenny Lane crossings, the spokesperson said. "In addition, Network Rail is stepping up its community and school engagement to reinforce rail safety messages to young people."