Broken level crossing causes chaos on roads (From York Press)

Broken level crossing causes chaos in Malton and Norton

4:45pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in News By Karen Darley

TWO North Yorkshire towns were thrown into chaos today after the barriers jammed on a level crossing.

Motorists and pedestrians were left stranded at each side of the railway line between Malton and Norton for almost two hours, until Network Rail engineers arrived to lift the barriers.

Ryan Swain, from Norton, was at the front of the queue driving towards Malton when he became stranded at around 1.10pm.

He said: “The barriers came down and a couple of trains went through but then they stayed down and after 15 minutes or so everyone started to get a bit suspicious.

“A man then came out of the signal box and said the barriers were going to be stuck for five hours.

“People were gathering by this point and it starting gushing down with rain and people started going a bit mental and shouting.”

Michael Cleary, from Bulmer, was stuck at the opposite side trying to get to a meeting in Norton.

He said: “I telephoned the police and was told to get on to Network Rail who would contact the British Transport Police.

“The traffic is backed up all the way into town - there is hell on.”

Pauline Lumley, who was on her way home from work, said she could not understand why they could not open one side to let people and traffic through.

“I know there is health and safety to consider but common sense is needed as well.”

A big cheer went out from the gathering crowds when the barriers were eventually partially lifted at 3pm allowing pedestrains to cross.

The road, however, remained closed for a further hour, while engineers continued to deal with the problem.

Diversions were put in place around Malton and Norton.