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Safety review after boy's death at rail crossing

News imageFamily Photo A selfie of Harry Basham with his mum Leanne Golding. Harry is wearing a burgundy hat with 'Taunton Town Football Club' written on it. He is also wearing glasses. Leanne Golding has long wavy blonde hair and is wearing a dark grey jacket with a pink top.Family Photo
Harry Basham's family has been calling for changes to be made at the crossing where he died

A woman calling for improved safety measures at a railway foot crossing following the death of a teenage boy says it is still dangerous and "urgent change" is needed.

Harry Basham, 17, was struck by a train in Taunton, Somerset, as he walked to work at about 07:00 BST on 24 October.

A Network Rail spokesperson said it was carrying out a review to understand how the crossing is used and "whether the current arrangement remains suitable in the longer term, or whether alternatives need to be considered".

Basham family friend Vicky Butland, who set up a petition calling for improvements, said the review has taken longer than expected and "someone else could be killed" if the crossing stays open.

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Butland added: "It's just a tragedy that no family should have to go through. Everyone's broken from it."

In January, Harry's mother Leanne Golding, said she wanted to see changes before her son's inquest takes place, including a traffic light system and locking gates.

Network Rail said as part of the review, it was monitoring how the crossing is used at different times of the year to help "understand patterns of use and identify any potential safety risks".

"Safety is our top priority and we will continue to keep the local community informed as the review progresses," Network Rail added.

News imageA foot crossing across a railway track. The word "Look" is spray painted on the floor and there is a sign to the right which says "Stop, Look, Listen". There is an industrial unit in the background to the left and trees to the right.
Harry Basham was struck by a train at the railway foot crossing in Taunton

Earlier this year, Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, met Network Rail bosses to discuss safety at the site.

In a statement he said: "I will continue to work with both Network Rail and Somerset Council to seek the best outcome for local residents which ensures rights of way are maintained and the public can safely access routes through this area for work and leisure."

A spokesperson for the regulator, the Office for Rail and Road (ORR), said: "level crossings must be designed around people - not the other way round.

"That means understanding how they are used in reality and ensuring there are controls and clear warnings in place to reduce risk."

They added: "Our thoughts remain with the family of the teenager and everyone affected by this tragic incident."

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