MP wants rail safety improvements

MP Paddy Tipping said constituents had raised concerns for a long time

A Nottinghamshire MP who called for a safety review after two people died in a rail crossing accident has met with rail officials.

Jean Hoggart, 56, and her seven-year-old grandson Mikey Dawson died at the Bestwood village crossing on Saturday evening when they were hit by a train.

MP Paddy Tipping said Network Rail was investigating and would investigate possible improvements.

Local politicians and residents called for better safety after the accident.

Mr Tipping held talks with Network Rail, which said after the deaths that an inquiry would look at the safety measures at the pedestrian-only crossing.

"I am pleased Network Rail has set up an independent inquiry and it is going to report quickly with a final report within eight weeks," he said.

Unlocked gate

He said Network Rail told him they would implement any recommendations "quickly".

Local county councillor Chris Baron previously said the crossing had been "an accident waiting to happen".

Mr Tipping has called for improved lighting at the site, which has an unlocked gate which leads from the path to the crossing.

He said his constituents had been raising concerns over the lighting at the crossing "for a long time".

The Network Rail spokesman said initially after the accident: "If we were to rebuild the entire railway network from scratch then we wouldn't have any level crossings on the railway because of the risk associated with them, but they are safe if used correctly."