A man whose sister died at a level crossing in Southport four years ago says he is “horrified” to learn that another tragedy has happened at the same spot – with Network Rail having failed so far to install the additional barriers that he demanded.
Hundreds of people supported Darcy Taylor Iveson-Berkeley’s campaign for four barriers to be placed instead of two at Crescent Road / Grosvenor Road in Birkdale after the death of his sister, Flur McDonald, there on January 29th 2019.
Darcy believes that his sister could still be alive today had four barriers been in place there originally.
At 6.20pm on Tuesday this week (27th September), police were called after the death of a man at the same crossing, on the Merseyrail Northern Line between Birkdale Train Station and Hillside Train Station.
Darcy said: “I am absolutely horrified that this has happened once again.
“It brings it all back, but I’ll not rest until Network Rail do what they promised to do and secure that dangerous crossing once and for all!”
Over 1,000 people signed Darcy’s petition on the Change.org website “to secure the railway crossing on Crescent Road / Grosvenor Road to prevent deaths.”
At the time, he said: “This will not bring back our beautiful, kind and intelligent Flur McDonald.
“But if this prevents what our family has gone through and other families, then we’ve accomplished a great thing.”
It led to Network Rail committing to make the changes demanded in July 2019, as they insisted: “The safety of all level crossing users at Crescent Road in Birkdale is our priority.
“We are in the early stages of planning to replace the signalling for trains in the area and this includes the installation of full barriers at this level crossing in future.
“In the meantime, we have installed vehicle enforcement cameras to discourage level crossing misuse. Road users and pedestrians alike are reminded they must never cross when the warning lights and sirens are in use.”
But nearly four years after his sister’s tragic death, and now after a second person lost their life there, Darcy wants to see action taken as a matter of urgency.
He said: “That was the response I got from Network Rail three years ago, when I thought we’d won our campaign.
“They have since installed the cameras which are totally useless.
“We need the barriers.
“I pushed heavily for a fourth barrier at this dangerous crossing. We had a strong case because of the petition which got over 1,000 signatures.
“I was on the phone with Network Rail again on Wednesday morning, to chase up the installation of the fourth barrier.
“I explained that there have now been two deaths in under four years.
“Another family has had their world turned upside down.
“As far as I’m aware this is the only crossing in Southport with only two barriers.
“Network Rail previously stated that they would install two new barriers so then the crossing would be totally secure with four barriers.
“I am in contact with them to get this sorted once and for all.
“Two lives taken at the same crossing is two too many and Network Rail needs to act immediately otherwise I fear this is going to keep on happening.
“My most sincere condolences to the family, they must be heartbroken.”
Network Rail has been contacted for a new comment.
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