Network Rail respond to concerns raised by locals over Hoghton rail crossing barriers

Network Rail has responded to concerns raised by locals over the rail barriers at the level crossing in Hoghton.

Locals reported that the lights were flashing but the barriers were not going down at the crossing in Station Road this morning.

An alert was shared on a local Facebook group, with one resident urging others in the area to avoid the crossing in Station Road.

But Network Rail have confirmed to the Post that the barriers are working and the crossing is safe to use.

A spokesperson said engineers had responded to reports from the public this morning and checks have since been completed at the site. No issues were found.

Network Rail said it welcomed the vigilance from local residents and will promptly investigate any concerns they might have.

The crossing was the scene of a fatal collision last month, which saw 33-year-old social worker Kerry Coombes killed after her car was struck by a train at around 8.50am on Thursday, June 25.

Her daughter, Ava, was rescued from the wreck and taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool with ‘life-threatening injuries’.

British Transport Police say the exact cause of the crash has yet to be established - two weeks after the Northern service travelling towards Preston struck their car, prompting a joint investigation with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

Last week, the police force said initial enquiries had been completed and it had launched a criminal investigation, as it urged people "not to speculate". On Monday (July 6), they said “detectives are following all lines of enquiry”.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow...