A RURAL level crossing which was the scene of a fatal accident in North Yorkshire has been removed by Network Rail.

Eric Ireland, 77, died in 2014 when the car he was driving was struck by a train travelling at 70mph as he crossed the railway at Ivy Lea Farm.

Since then, Network Rail says it has been working alongside the landowner to get the private crossing closed and removed from the line at Rillington near Malton.

After an agreement was reached, the crossing was taken out at the weekend.

Plans are being made to remove three other private farm crossings on the York to Scarborough line, near Haxby and Barton-le-Willows, which Network Rail recently closed with the agreement of landowners.

Last month, Network Rail announced a joint campaign with the National Farmers Union to remind farm workers to stay safe during harvest season, after statistics revealed that 2016 saw the highest number of level crossing incidents in the past four years.

Robert Havercroft, Network Rail’s level crossing manager whose patch includes Ivy Lea Farm, said: “The removal of Ivy Lea Farm level crossing is something we’ve worked towards for several years and I’m pleased that we reached an agreement to remove the crossing equipment entirely.”

National Farmers Union Vice-President Guy Smith said: “For farmers, crossings are a crucial way to access their land. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Network Rail to improve safety at level crossings