Work on level crossing between Norton and Malton to start this weekend

Network Rail is carrying out essential engineering work on the railway line near Malton station.

Previously, the crossing was due to be closed to vehicles and pedestrians on 29 occasions from October 25 until the end of the year.

However, the company has now agreed to reduce the number of closures to 11 and install a temporary footbridge as well as a minibus shuttle service, after a number of residents, including factory workers, questioned how they were going to get to and from work.

The crossing will also now close between 10pm and 10.55pm, reopening at 6am instead of 7am.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said that a mini bus would be available from the start to the end of the time the crossing is shut.

"This is free and no cost to the public. There will be a mini bus either side of the crossing, and will act as shuttle service for the public. All people need to do is turn up and ask – there are no specific times or a timetable," they added.

"At points there will be a temporary bridge, but we can only use this when access permits – i.e. if there is a specialist track train and machines/work being completed at the crossing, then the minibuses will be used."

District and town councillor Di Keal, said that while she welcomed the decision to reduce the number of closures to the level crossing and the installation of a temporary footbridge for pedestrians to use, Network Rail had failed to listen to local residents' concerns over flooding.

"People living in the area are worried and I share their concerns," she added.

"It is now almost two years since the major flooding at Malton when emergency pumps had to be brought in and fire fighters had to remove all their equipment and pipes each time a train came on the Scarborough to York line.

Councillor Keal said: "We have been waiting for the engineering works to start and now is that time. We don't want to see Malton and Norton flooded again but I fear it will happen - this work is vital."