Michael Ancram MP has welcomed a proposal from Network Rail for a simple warning system at a pedestrian rail crossing at Little Bedwyn where mother-of-three Julia Canning died after being struck by a train.

It could mean that all trains will have to sound their horns when approaching the crossing where Mrs Canning, 55, who had lived in the village with her family for 18 years, was killed after being struck by a train heading from Newbury to Great Bedwyn station five weeks ago.

She was walking her two dogs along the well-used footpath that crosses the railway line at Fairfield.

Following the crash there were demands for crossings like the one at Fairfield to be made safer but Mrs Canning’s husband Spencer said he did not want the Little Bedwyn crossing to be closed.

He said: “This kind of crossing is used regularly by many people and I feel it would be wrong to close it – yet another curtailment of personal freedom if it closed.”

However, he added: “A flashing light or similar to warn people of an approaching train would be a sensible additional measure.”

Network Rail appears to have heeded Mr Canning’s points and the concerns expressed following the tragedy by Mr Ancram.

Writing to the MP, the chief executive of Network Rail Iain Coucher said: “I would assure you that Network Rail places safety at the forefront of everything it does, and works extremely hard to make level crossings as safe as possible.

“However every year over 2,000 pedestrians and motorists continue to misuse crossings.”

He said all crossings were given a risk assessment at least every three years. “All appropriate and practical upgrade and risk reduction options are reviewed,” added Mr Coucher.

“However it is often still very difficult to close or divert public rights of way despite the clear and obvious safety benefits. Discussions are on-going with Wiltshire Council with regard to the level crossing at Fairfield but a bridge at this location is not feasible.”

One safety measure under consideration, he said, was to install “whistle boards” requiring all train drivers to sound their horns when approaching the Fairfield crossing.

Mr Ancram commented: “While some work is being done, I am not satisfied it is enough and I will continue to press Network Rail to ensure that no further fatal accidents occur.”