Crossing to shut for six months after 'near misses'

People will be blocked from accessing the Moorgate Halt crossing from Saturday

A level crossing is set to close for six months after reports of "near misses" with people on the railway track.

Moorgate Halt crossing in Saddleworth, Oldham, will shut from Saturday so new signals can be installed there as part of a multi-billion pound infrastructure revamp on the Transpennine route between Manchester, Leeds and York.

It means pedestrian access will be blocked at the crossing between Greenfield and Marsden station on the edge of Uppermill.

Kristian Willis, who is from the team delivering the upgrade, said the crossing could not be used safely while trains wait for permission to pass as the work takes place.

The level crossing leads to the popular Moorgate Quarry walking spot

He urged anyone who travels through this area to plan ahead and explore alternative routes during the next six months.

Network Rail said there are plans for both Mossley and Greenfield station to have major upgrades as part of the project.

This includes making both stations fully accessible, increasing the length of platforms to accommodate longer trains with more seats, and installing improved customer facilities.

There are alternative routes available to the crossing, which leads to the popular Moorgate Quarry walking spot.

Rail workers claim they have recorded several "near misses" in the area, with trains forced to slow down or stop due to people on the track.

With trains due to reach top speeds of up to 80mph after the upgrade, a spokesperson claims it would "intolerably" increase the risk of an accident at Moorgate Halt, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.