NETWORK Rail has announced a lengthy delay - for pedestrians at a busy level crossing close to a North Yorkshire railway station.

Pedestrians face a frustrating wait of several months before the level crossing gates at Knaresborough station are working again.

The crossing links Kirkgate to the town's parish church area.

Since late last year, people have been forced to cross the railway lines through a subway under the Leeds-Harrogate-York line.

Elderly pedestrians have complained that the subway steps are difficult to negotiate, while others are loathe to use the subway amid fears for their safety.

Protests about delays in replacing the broken gates have been taken up with Network Rail by Knaresborough Town Council and the issue will be raised at a meeting on Monday.

Network Rail external development manager Sarah Daniel said the gates were put out of action by long-term misuse by the public.

And, because the gates are for a railway crossing, they will have to be specially made - to a bespoke standard - and will not be ready to put in place until Spring.

In the meantime pedestrians will have to use the subway, or face a lengthy detour.