Son urges rail changes after mum's crossing death

The son of a woman who died while using a pedestrian rail crossing says she was killed because Network Rail failed to address a known safety issue.

Shirley Pope, 82, who had hearing loss and was not wearing a hearing aid in her left ear, was struck by a train at a crossing in Pewsey, Wiltshire, on 26 February 2025.

Following internal reports, Network Rail has since put forward plans to install warning lights at the crossing - similar to those at road junctions - to indicate when it is safe to cross.

A spokesperson said: "We welcome the findings of the RAIB's report and are acting on all of its recommendations to help prevent a tragedy like this from happening again."

"She lost her life because of a series of failures on the part of Network Rail, which almost inexcusably they have known about for a period of time and have not done anything about," Mr Pope said.

"If this was a new thing, something that had happened which was just a complete fluke and was just a complete accident, then fair enough. But in this instance they knew that the risk was there."

Shirley Pope's son, Simon Pope, said she was well loved within the village of Pewsey.

"She was incredibly fit, incredibly energetic, really immersed in the community," he said.

"She was part of the DNA of the village."

Shirley Pope had used the crossing that day because her usual dog-walking route -over a bridge - was closed.

Following her death, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report, released last week, showed the pedestrian crossing had a whistle board nearby, at which the driver of the train involved sounded the horn.

The distance between the board and the crossing was later found to be greater than Network Rail's guidelines permit.

"I think not only was she let down, but the community continues to be let down because Network Rail have had these recommendations since November.

"The report was only published last week, but they've had the draft recommendation since November.

"They've said they would need to take a number of steps to address the findings of the RAIB [Rail Accident Investigation Branch] report, but they haven't done anything.

"And the risk that led to my mum's death is still there."

The RAIB made several recommendations to Network Rail, focusing on improving safety at crossings, including better risk controls for whistle boards, measures to protect people with hearing loss, and reviewing whether whistle boards should still be used at footpath crossings.

It also urged Network Rail to consider the wider safety impact of closing alternative routes like public rights of way.

In addition, the report highlighted three learning points on following safety standards properly and improving communication around incidents.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with Ms Pope's loved ones and the local community. We continue to recognise the profound impact this tragic loss has had.

"We are introducing additional level crossing management resource, strengthening independent assurance and oversight, and standardising how risk assessments are carried out across the route, alongside enhanced training and closer partnership working with local stakeholders."

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