Because Network Rail has seen an increase in reckless behaviour at a popular level crossing in Nottinghamshire, it is running an event this Saturday to which local residents have been invited so they can understand the need for safety when using level crossings.

During recent months, there have been a number of cases at Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce where people have been spotted leaving toddlers unattended in dangerous situations, trespassing, and leaving dogs off their leads. The footpath across the crossing passes over the busy Nottingham to Lincoln railway line, which each day is used by around 70 trains travelling at tremendous speeds.

The event will take the form of a three-hour community educational session to be held next Saturday, 15th October, between 10:00 and 13:00 in a marquee at the Nelson Inn in Burton Joyce.

Run by Network Rail, with support from East Midlands Railway, Nottingham County Council and Burton Joyce Parish Council, it will endeavour to engage with the community to get the safety message across, and provide top tips for staying safe around railway lines, including:

• Concentrate; it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
• Stop, look and listen. Follow signs and instructions.
• Check both ways before crossing; if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
• Cross quickly, and keep children close and dogs on a lead.

For further information about level crossing safety and resources go to https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/level-crossings-for-pedestrians/

For further details about the event, please contact the Network Rail Helpline at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/contact-us/

Last year, CCTV captured footage of girls doing handstands at another crossing in Nottinghamshire and ran a “Switched On” campaign to tach children about rail safety.

Anna Ebblewhite, Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “We’ve seen some incredibly worrying behaviour at Burton Joyce level crossing, which shows just how unaware some residents are of how dangerous the railway can be.

“That’s why we’re delivering this interactive session to help residents understand how to use the crossing safely, and ultimately improve safety amongst the community. I really hope that people join us this Saturday – we’ll have experts on hand to answer your questions.”

Laurence King, Chair of Burton Joyce Parish Council said: “This is a very important issue for residents and visitors to the village. We are looking to work with Network Rail and others to understand the causes, improve public education, safety signage and infrastructure improvements, to significantly reduce the potential for unsafe behaviour and the consequent effect on rail staff and network operation”.

Cllr Mike Adams of Gedling Borough Council said: “Living in the village and using the railway crossings regularly for family walks by the river, we recognise its importance to our village.

“The risks being taken currently by some, while crossing the railway are frightening to see on the replays from the cameras on site. We risk losing this incredible asset if we don’t get better at using it.

“Please come along to the education day and help us all learn how to better protect the residents we all care about.”