CALLS for the closure of a rail crossing near Taunton where teenager Harry Basham tragically died are growing.

Harry, 17, passed away after being hit by a train on the crossing at around 7am on the morning of October 24 last year in an incident police said was not suspicious.

In the aftermath of his death, a petition to close the crossing was launched, which has gone on to garner around 2,800 signatures – and the backing of MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington).

The petition calls for improved safety measures on the route – known as the 5/13 foot crossing – after the tragic loss of Harry, which organisers said “left an indelible mark on Harry’s family, friends, and our entire community, exposing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures at this perilous crossing”.

“The absence of basic safety features such as adequate lighting and properly functioning gates has created an unsafe environment, increasing the risk of accidents and tragedies like the one that claimed Harry’s life,” the petition went on.

“Currently, the crossing has kissing gates that fail to click in securely, posing a further risk to those attempting to cross safely.”

Tributes to Harry Basham, who tragically died after being hit by a train, in place at the crossing in Taunton. Pictures: BTP/Gideon Amos

It added: “This crossing should have been shut immediately pending inquiries like the other crossings around the country that a child has died at, out of respect for Harry.

“Harry is this most amazing person and will be forever loved and missed and we will forever fight in your honour.”

Now, Mr Amos has spoken out in support of calls for the crossing to be closed, and said he had written to Network Rail requesting it be shut, with a meeting with officials planned in the new year.

“My deepest sympathies are with Harry’s family and friends,” the MP said.

“I fully support the campaign and the almost 3,000 people who have signed the petition calling for the closure of the 5/13 crossing near Taunton.

“I have written to Network Rail requesting closure of this little-used foot crossing and will be meeting with their route managing director in the New Year to try and move things forward to the next stage.

“I recognise that alternative routes need to be agreed and in place before a closure can go ahead, so, in the meantime, safety measures at the crossing must be a priority.”

Calls have been made for the crossing to be closed

After Harry’s tragic death, his family paid tribute to a “brilliant and funny lad”.

“We are absolutely devastated at the loss of our son, brother, and grandson Harry,” they said.

“He was such a brilliant and funny lad, progressing well into adulthood and so incredibly talented at sports and so much more.

“He was and forever will be a star to all of us, and we will miss him and hold him close to us in our hearts always.”

For more on the petition, visit change.org/p/improve-safety-at-5-13-railway-foot-crossing-or-close-it-down-in-memory-of-harry-basham.

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Campaigners say the crossing is unsafe and should be closed, or have extra safety measures installed