This is the notorious level crossing where a 14-year-old boy was killed by a train, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Josh Travis, a former Nottingham Forest academy goalkeeper, died on Wednesday evening after he was struck in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire.
The rail crossing has been the subject of complaints for years that it should be shut over safety fears.
And just 24 hours before Joshua tragically died crossing the track, rail bosses had applied to have it closed.
A notice at the site of the tragedy reveals Network Rail applied to Nottingham County Council to close it ‘on the grounds of public safety, due to misuse of the crossing and several near misses with trains’.
There is no suggestion Josh was misusing the crossing, which is behind a gate.
There are no warning lights or alarms and pedestrians must decide themselves if it is safe to cross.
The busy footpath crosses the Nottingham to Lincoln line, which sees around 70 trains travel through each day at high speeds.
It has been the subject of repeated calls to have it close down. The latest was dated November 25, the day before Josh died.
Those living nearby told how the crossing had seen dozens of ‘near misses’ in recent years – including one involving Gavin and Stacey star Mat Horne, who was ‘clipped’ by a train in 2018 and suffered an arm injury.
On Friday, Network Rail confirmed a temporary closure of the crossing on the Nottingham to Lincoln line had been granted by Nottinghamshire County Council, which will remain in place for 21 days while investigations into Joshua’s death continues.
People living nearby said the crossing was unsafe and called for it to be closed permanently or replaced with a bridge.
In 2021, Network Rail temporarily closed the crossing following ‘repeated misuse incidents’, with 16 near misses in the previous two years.
It opened later that year after safety work was completed, which saw a new set of gates and an improved ‘non-slip’ surface installed.
But in 2022, Network Rail was forced to release terrifying footage of further incidents and invited residents to a ‘hard-hitting safety session to engage with the community and hammer home the top tips for staying safe around the railway’.
It issued a warning following a rise in what it described as ‘reckless behaviour’ and a number of near misses.
It released CCTV showing young people messing around, toddlers unattended, trespassing and even a couple taking part in a photoshoot at the Chestnut Grove level crossing in Burton Joyce.
Then, last year, Network Rail announced it wanted to close the crossing using an emergency six-month closure order – although the proposal was opposed by parish councillors, who called for better safety solutions instead.
The most recent application for an order to close the crossing by Network Rail was made to Notts County Council is currently posted on fencing at its entrance – dated November 25, the day before Josh was killed.
Actor Mr Horne was treated by paramedics after being ‘struck’ by a train at the crossing.
He was walking to his parents’ home from the Lord Nelson pub, in Chestnut Grove, when the incident happened just after 10.30pm on December 20. He was not seriously injured.
Joanna Tait, who lives nearby, said: ‘They need to permanently close this crossing. My heart skips a beat every time I’ve had to use it…’
David Smith added: ‘This is where Mathew Horne (Gavin from Gavin and Stacey) grew up and he was clipped by a train on the same bit of track a number of years ago.
‘This is a grown adult, who is a professional actor and not stupid! It just shows that accidents can happen to anyone and this is not safe for pedestrians. This wasn’t a 14 year old’s fault. The junction needs looking at and changing urgently.’
Emergency services were called to the to the line in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, just after 7pm on Wednesday November 26 following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
Paramedics also attended, but Joshua was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, British Transport Police (BTP) said. Inquiries by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) are ongoing.
Local resident Mike Walker, 56, said: ‘It’s awful, and to be honest it’s a surprise no-one has been killed or badly hurt before, at least in what appears to be an accident (he mentioned there had been a few suicides over the years).
‘It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. The trains are Sprinter-types which roar through at quite a decent speed because the line is very straight, and if you aren’t fully paying attention or are messing about they can be on you in seconds.
‘It is a dark spot as well which makes it even worse. Young people like to cross over and go to the river (Trent) and hang out in the evenings, so a lot of them use it as there isn’t much else for them to do in the village at night.
‘It’s a complete tragedy, and just before Christmas too. I’m heartbroken for his parents.’
Susie Green, 64, added: ‘It is very well-known in the village as a crossing point where you really have to have your wits about you. In Winter especially I don’t like using it.
‘Its closure has been debated for many years, and I think now it should close for good, although quite a few people think differently, especially dog walkers as it leads to a lovely spot by the river.
‘But I think there was going to be a tragedy sooner or later, it’s horrible it is in one so young.’
A third local, who didn’t want to be named, said: ‘The crossing has been in the news many times before, fortunately just for what they call ‘near misses’, but I think something like this was just waiting to happen really.
‘Hopefully now the authorities will do something about it. It needs automatic locking gates or flashing lights, or both.
‘The next crossing down in the village has red and green lights and a siren, although not locking gates.
‘I can’t imagine it would cost that much to install these things at this one. Of course, accidents could still happen if people ignore the signs, but it would make them a lot less likely, I think.’
It is believed Josh was with a group of friends, who witnessed the incident and its aftermath, when he was hit.
A 74-year-old woman, who didn’t want to be named, said: ‘Apparently it was two boys, including the lad who was killed, and two girls crossing at the time.
‘He was clipped and thrown into a ditch, rather than being hit full on, but it was obviously enough to cause fatal injuries.
‘It must have been terrible for his friends to see. I don’t know how you ever get over something like that. And it must have been very traumatic for the driver, as well.
‘If I am being honest, I don’t really see how they didn’t spot the train coming, particularly as it was night-time and the headlights would have been very visible, because it is a long, straight stretch of track.
‘However, at night it can be difficult to judge distance, and the trains must come through here at over 70mph, so it could have been a misjudgement, or just the lad chatting with his friends and not really paying attention, perhaps thinking he had more time than he did.
‘Either way, it is appalling. I have grandchildren that age and the thought of it happening to them is just horrific.’
Hundreds of floral tributes have now been left close to the crossing, along with football-shaped balloons, several pairs of goalkeeper gloves, Liverpool FC shirts, and school ties. One message read: ‘Gone but not forgotten.’
The crossing, which is now fenced off, features two sets of gates on either side of the track, and two signs – one which reads, ‘Stop, Look and Listen. Beware of trains’, and another displaying the message ‘Caution – oncoming trains can be hidden by other trains. Look both ways. Do not cross until all lines are clear.’
In a tribute released via British Transport Police (BTP), the schoolboy’s family said: ‘Josh was a lad with an incredible energy for life, an infectious and mischievous smile, kind sparkling eyes, and so much love to give.
‘He leaves a gap in our lives that is and will always be impossible to fill, and we will miss him forever.’
Aspire Football Coaching, of Carlton, Nottingham, which Josh was a part of, also posted their own emotional tribute on Facebook.
It said: ‘With the blessing of his parents, everybody at Aspire FC is devastated to post surrounding the passing of our U15 goalkeeper Josh Travis.
‘Josh was a fantastic goalkeeper and a great character in the group.
‘Everybody that came across Josh described him as a pleasure to have around with his polite and funny nature.
‘Josh made a real impact in his age group, both as a footballer but more importantly as a person and will be sorely missed at the club.’
The coaching organisation postponed all games this weekend out of respect.
Mark Budden, Network Rail’s route director for the East Midlands, said: ‘Our immediate thoughts are with the family and friends that have been affected by this tragic incident.
‘Safety is our top priority and we are fully supporting the RAIB as part of their ongoing inquiries.’
On Sunday, players and supporters observed a minute’s silence at Forest’s City Ground ahead of their Premier League game against Brighton.
Players from both sides also wore black armbands. Scores of friends and teammates have also left tributes at the scene online.
Jason Rockley said: ‘Having met his mother I know he must have had the best and most loving upbringing a child could possibly have. RIP young man.’
Jack Denham added: ‘I had the pleasure of working with Josh at Nottingham Forest’s Academy last season. Such a respectful and hard working lad. So sad to hear this.’
Kurt Paul said: ‘I coached Josh at Notts a few years ago and what a keeper he was but also a humble and respectful young man’.
A spokesperson for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said: ‘The RAIB sent a team of inspectors to Burton Joyce in Nottinghamshire to the site of an accident which occurred on a footpath level crossing.
‘Our inspectors continue to gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a preliminary examination, and a decision on any further action will be taken once evidence has been reviewed.’
Network Rail, the parish council and county council have been contacted for comment.
