Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP met with North Yorkshire Councillor Philip Barrett on Friday 27 March at Skipton Town Hall to discuss longstanding transport and road safety concerns affecting communities across Kildwick, Cross Hills, Glusburn and Sutton-in-Craven.
The meeting discussed a range of topics such as the ongoing issues at the Kildwick level crossing, where extended barrier-down times have caused significant congestion for residents, local businesses, hauliers and commuters. Julian and Cllr Barrett discussed the impact of repeated delays - sometimes lasting up to ten minutes as multiple trains pass.
Julian has written to Network Rail to ask them to look at timings and whether the barriers can be raised between trains, to alleviate congestion at the Kildwick Roundabout and on Skipton Road in Cross Hills at the other side of the barriers.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the status of the Sutton Lane footpath project, an issue of deep local concern following the death of George Lewis in 2021, and one which Julian continues to raise with both North Yorkshire Council and Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Julian and Cllr Barrett agreed that progressing the long-awaited footpath remains a priority for the safety of local residents.
Speaking after the meeting, Julian said: “I am grateful to Cllr Barrett for meeting with me in Skipton to discuss these important transport and safety issues. The challenges at Kildwick level crossing continue to cause serious disruption for residents, and I will keep pressing for the improvements needed to address them.
"I also remain committed to supporting Sutton-in-Craven following the tragic collisions involving George Lewis and Patricia Davies, and will continue working with local authorities to ensure progress is made on road safety and on the Sutton Lane footpath project.”
