A RYEDALE level crossing which was the scene of a fatal accident in 2014 was been removed.

Ivy Lea Farm crossing, a private track which crossed over the railway line at Rillington, was where 77-year-old Eric Ireland died in May 2014.

Mr Ireland, a former lorry driver from Scampston, was killed when the car he was driving was struck by a train travelling at 70mph.

Since then Network Rail said it has been working with the landowner to get the private crossing closed and removed.

An agreement has now been reached and the crossing was closed at the end of last month.

Robert Havercroft, Network Rail’s level crossing manager, 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.”

By “agreement”, a National Rail spokesman said there was legal process that had to be followed and that each case was dealt with on an individual basis.

The Ivy Lea Farm crossing is not the only one on the York to Scarborough line that has been closed.

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

The removal of the crossing coincides with a campaign to spread awareness of level-crossing safety.

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

Mr Havercroft said: “As well as keeping level crossings functioning correctly, my role is to stay in contact with farmers who have private level crossings and make sure they’re being used safely.

“This campaign is a timely reminder to all farm workers about the right way to cross the railway.”

National Farmers’ Union vice-president Guy Smith added: “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.”