MP presses rail chiefs on crossing safety after Taunton teenager’s death

An MP has held talks with senior rail officials amid growing calls for safety improvements following the death of a teenage boy at a railway foot crossing in Somerset.

Harry Basham, who was 17, was fatally struck by a train as he made his way to work near Taunton at around 07:00 BST on 24 October. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of the crossing, which sits on a route used regularly by local residents.

Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, said he had recently met Network Rail representatives to discuss possible changes. He described the discussions as productive, while Network Rail has previously said the incident was “a tragic accident”.

Amos said data shared during the meeting showed the crossing is used around 35 times on a typical day, a figure he said was not considered heavy usage by the rail operator. He added that he has urged Network Rail to explore safer alternatives for pedestrians before making any final decision on whether the crossing should remain open or be closed.

Gideon Amos said:

"I've asked for them to look at convenient alternative ways to cross the railway on foot, and most importantly, for consultation before any decision is taken for this crossing to be closed or kept open."

Harry’s mother, Leanne Golding, has been calling for action ahead of her son’s inquest, which is scheduled for May. She wants additional safety measures introduced, including locked gates and a traffic light system, and said her son had crossed the tracks countless times while travelling to and from work.

Leanne Golding said:

"There are so many ways someone can make a mistake down there, especially in the dark like it was that morning."

Support for changes has been gathering momentum locally, with a petition launched by a family friend calling for improvements attracting more than 3,600 signatures.

Network Rail said it remains in contact with the MP and expressed its sympathy for those affected.

A Network Rail spokesperson said:

"We are in contact with Mr Amos and will engage with local authorities, stakeholders and the community on the future of the crossing."

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has also completed its initial work, confirming that evidence gathered during its early examination has been passed to the coroner.

A RAIB spokesperson said:

"RAIB has submitted a report summarising the evidence gathered during our preliminary examination to His Majesty's Coroner. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic accident."

Image: Gideon Amos MP