Network Rail are to conduct safety improvement works at the pedestrian crossing over railway tracks in Kenley where a 11-year-old schoolboy was struck and killed in January this year.

Fatal scene: the Bourne View level crossing. Locals have said it is a danger to the public

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has an on-going investigation into the incident, which happened just after 8am on January 23 at the Bourne View footpath crossing between Whyteleafe and Kenley.

The victim, Jaiden Shehata, was a Year 7 pupil at Riddlesdown Collegiate, on his way to school.

More than 4,000 people signed a petition calling for the crossing to be closed.

In a move which many may interpret as an admission that the crossing was not safe enough, Network Rail will be closing the crossing from August 11 to carry out works, including the installation of Miniature Stop Lights, which are intended to provide warnings of approaching trains using coloured lights and a sound alarm.

The works are expected to take until December this year, with the crossing closed throughout that time.

Council notice: residents in Kenley have been sent an advisory notice by the council

“This closure is a key part of the wider response to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s ongoing investigation,” according to local councillors.

During the closure, pedestrian diversions will be in place via Stumps Lane and Hayes Lane bridges.

Network Rail is also looking at options for a step-free crossing at Kenley Station.

Croydon Council has distributed a letter outlining the details of the closure to residents in the area.

Read more: Petition to close Kenley level crossing where schoolboy died
Read more: Rail investigation launched into schoolboy’s death at Kenley

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