MP meets rail bosses over crossing where boy died

5 hours ago

Kelly WithersSomerset

News image — Harry Basham died on the foot crossing in October 2025

Family Photo Harry Basham is sitting on a rock on a beach. He is wearing a red hat and a black hooded jacket. He is wearing black tracksuit bottoms and black and red trainers. The picture was taken on a cloudy day. — Harry Basham died on the foot crossing in October 2025

An MP has met rail bosses to discuss what can be done to improve safety after a teenage boy was killed on a railway foot crossing.

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

Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, said he recently had a "constructive" meeting with Network Rail, which has described what happened as "a tragic accident".

His mother, Leanne Golding, wants to see changes before her son's inquest takes place in May, including a traffic light system and locking gates.

Amos said Network Rail provided data which showed the foot crossing was used about 35 times on an average day. He said the operator did not consider this heavy usage.

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He 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."

Golding said her son would have walked across the foot crossing "hundreds of times" to get to and from work.

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

Family 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. — Leanne Golding is calling for changes to the foot crossing where her son Harry Basham died

A petition set up by a family friend calling for safety improvements has been signed more than 3,600 times.

In a statement, Network Rail said its thoughts were with Harry's family, friends and the local community.

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

A 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. — The family of Harry Basham is calling for safety improvements at the foot crossing in Taunton

A spokesperson for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) 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," they added.

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