THE inclusion of Kildwick level crossing in the district's future transport plans has been welcomed by councillors.

It includes plans to bridge the crossing and introduce a railway station.

The crossing is just one of four major schemes to be included in the blueprint for North Yorkshire's local transport plan for 2006 to 2011.

Councillors and residents have campaigned for years to get rid of the level crossing, where the barriers are down for up to 50 minutes in every hour.

County and district councillor Philip Barrett, who told Glusburn Parish councillors about the move last Wednesday, said: "This scheme to bridge the railway is a major step forward for South Craven and must be strongly supported by the parish council in its response to the consultation process.

"I fully accept this is one solution to one specific problem, but having said that it is a key element to relieving traffic congestion in South Craven."

He told councillors they now needed to ensure plans for the crossing were kept in the draft document.

Councillors agreed to strengthen their case by writing to Craven District Council requesting its support.