A CORONER has issued a warning on the dangers of an unattended level crossing after a farmer was killed by a train.

Colin Cameron, 60, was killed as he crossed the railway line at Frampton Mansell and, in a report issued after the inquest into his death, Gloucestershire coroner Katy Skerett said that, “unless action is taken” to improve safety, “future deaths will occur.”

Mr Cameron was hit by the Paddington to Cheltenham Spa service as it neared Stroud on February 7, 2017.

The Stroud resident commuted to his campsite business in Frampton Mansell, to which road entry was via the crossing.

Mr Cameron – a pioneer of the not-for-profit Stroudco Food Hub project – who was a frequent but cautious ‘authorised user’ of the crossing, had called signallers immediately prior to his crossing.

When told that there was a train in the vicinity, Mr Cameron replied to say he had seen it pass a few minutes previously. In response to this assertion, the signaller gave him access, but Mr Cameron was subsequently killed.

In her report, Ms Skerett outlined two grave concerns, which primarily questioned “the absence of any instructions” given to signallers when communicating with members of the public who wish to use the level crossing.

Ms Skerett’s second concern was whether “the relevant authorities” and those authorised to use the crossing had given “sufficient consideration” as to whether it ought to be closed.

In response to the report, Mr Cameron’s family urged Network Rail to implement Ms Skerett’s recommendations and improve the safety of level crossings for public use.

“We are encouraged that the coroner shares many of our concerns following her investigation into the death of Colin Cameron, a greatly loved and dearly missed man.

“We urge Network Rail to implement her recommendations and improve the safety of level crossings for public use soto avoid the possibility of any future deaths.”

In response, a spokesman from Network Rail released the following statements.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with Colin Cameron’s family and friends and we are very sad that this accident happened.

“Safety of the public, passengers and our railway staff remains our priority and we will continue to improve safety at level crossings where we can. We take note of the coroner’s report, which we will consider and respond to as requested.”

Network Rail has until August 28 to respond to the findings.