Josh Mason pictured at the level crossing

In conjunction with prospective MP for the Redcar Constituency Cllr Josh Mason, Ian Swales MP has listened to the public and arranged a meeting with Network Rail later this month to discuss the closure of West Dyke Road level crossing in Redcar during high winds.

Having been contacted by residents and businesses, Cllr Josh Mason and Ian Swales MP launched a petition in December last year calling on action from Network Rail and the council to address the problem which has caused the level crossing to be shut for an extended period at least eight times in the last year. Hundreds of people have signed the petition and although Network Rail previously insisted that the crossing gates cannot be renewed until 2017, they have agreed to a meeting to discuss the issue further.

The petition can still be signed at www.joshmason.co.uk

Ian Swales commented:

“Josh Mason was right to launch this campaign, closure of the gates causes too much disruption to the town to be closed so regularly. In the 21st century we should not have to put up with such inadequate equipment.

“We will be asking Network Rail to address the problem as soon as possible and will keep pushing for improvements.”

Cllr Josh Mason commented:

“I’m very pleased that a meeting has been arranged and that Network Rail are prepared to discuss the issue with us. The disruption caused by the closure of the gates affects residents and businesses and it simply can’t keep happening.”