A train crossing on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea where a man was killed on Sunday (July 24th) should be removed altogether, the owner of a nearby holiday park has claimed this week.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported yesterday that a man had been fatally struck by a passing train on the crossing, pictured above, next to Home Farm Holiday Park.
Although the full circumstances of the incident have yet to be released by police, the owner of Home Farm says the crossing is dangerous and should be removed.
Steve Atkinson told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We have said for several years that this crossing must be completely removed on safety grounds.”
“Trains pass very quickly here next to a busy holiday park – it is an unsuitable location for a public crossing.”
He added: “Burnham-On-Sea.com reported in 2007 that a group of children had been playing a lethal game of ‘chicken’ here, demonstrating our concerns.”
“And just a couple of years ago we saw a near fatality when two dogs ran out in front of a train and our security staff had to hold the owner back to avoid a serious accident.”
Steve added: “Six years ago, we wrote several formal letters about withdrawing this crossing as a public access point, but they seemed to be ignored.”
Meanwhile, anyone with further information about Sunday’s incident has been asked by police to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A British Transport Police spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “British Transport Police, Avon and Somerset Police and the ambulance service responded to a report of a male having been struck by a train at a foot crossing on Sunday morning. Upon arrival at the scene the officers found the body of a male. This matter is being investigated but is not being treated as suspicious. The male’s identity is not being released at this stage.”
Pictured: The Burnham railway crossing where Sunday’s incident occurred
