HEXHAM Town Council has given its support to proposals by Network Rail aimed at improving safety on three level crossings in the town.

The changes, which will see the closure of one crossing and the downgrading of two others to prevent use by vehicles, have come as a result of a string of near-misses involving members of the public in recent years.

An earlier meeting of the town council heard that a near-miss event was classified as the driver having to apply the emergency breaks or sound the emergency horn because they felt pedestrians or vehicles were too close.

The Mayor of Hexham, Coun. Tom Gillanders, told members at the latest meeting of the council that they had to decide whether to back moves by Network Rail to close the Tyne Green crossing and reduce the status of the Bells and Spital crossings to bridleways, which would prohibit use by vehicles but maintain access for horses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Coun. Tom Dodds said: “As I’m sure you all know, our railway dates back to 1838, so is of significant historic importance.

“In my opinion, it is quite right that Network Rail looks for health and safety improvements where possible.”

Councillors agreed that they would not offer any objections to the proposals.