Arthington resident brands Network Rail's apology ‘worthless’ (From Ilkley Gazette)

Arthington resident brands Network Rail's apology ‘worthless’

2:46pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News

An Arthington resident has branded an apology from a rail company as “worthless”.

Network Rail apologised last week for not responding to Arthington Parish Council regarding safety concerns over large works vehicles operating in the village.

The council is worried some of the vehicles, and the lorries transporting them, are having to back out onto the busy A659 Arthington Lane to turn.

Members are also concerned about the impact the railway line work – being undertaken from the site of the old railway station in Station Road – is having on residents and the road itself.

Network Rail has insisted the vehicles working in the village are doing so under “an agreed, safe system”, but a Station Road householder has contacted this newspaper to question that claim.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said: “Once again last weekend, residents witnessed contractors working for Network Rail carrying out unloading operations using heavy plant on an unsecured public footpath, just metres from parked cars and private property.

“Like many residents in Station Road, I have small children, whom I closely supervise, but it would only take a second while my back is turned for something dreadful to happen.

“The apology from Network Rail is, in reality, worth very little when it is not followed up by positive action and an improvement in working practices.

“I appreciate once the signalling work is finished the improvements to the Leeds to York line will be of benefit to the local community, but this should not be at the expense of the welfare of residents in Station Road.”