A consultation on permanently closing the Chestnut Grove footpath level crossing in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, had only just opened days before a 14-year-old boy was fatally struck by a train.

Josh Travis died on Wednesday after being hit at the crossing. Network Rail had applied to Nottinghamshire County Council in March to close the path on safety grounds, describing it as posing a "very real risk of serious incident" and highlighting a series of near-misses.

The county council confirmed it opened a consultation on 20 November to consider Network Rail’s request to "extinguish the public right of way". The council said it was "working closely with Network Rail" and assisting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) with its ongoing investigation. Josh’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and the RAIB is conducting a "preliminary examination".

Following the incident, the council agreed to an emergency closure of the crossing on Thursday, initially for 21 days. A Network Rail report submitted as part of the permanent closure application stated there was a "very real risk of a serious incident at Chestnut Grove level crossing if it remains open". It noted 19 near-misses at the crossing since 2020, including cases where train drivers had to apply emergency brakes to avoid collisions. The report warned that "misuse occurs on a daily basis and it is only a matter of time before a person is hit at the crossing" and highlighted that repeated applications had been submitted to temporarily stop public access while long-term solutions were considered.

Mark Budden, Network Rail's route director in the East Midlands, said:

"The level crossing is a public right of way, and Network Rail does not have the legal powers to close it - that decision rests with the local highways authority and needs a formal application and public consultation. We submitted an application in spring this year to close the level crossing on safety grounds, and the council had recently launched a public consultation for this."

Bert Bingham, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, explained that Network Rail had initially requested a temporary closure, but early discussions between the council, parish council, and Network Rail led to recommendations to keep the crossing open with safety improvements. He added that Network Rail later submitted an application to permanently close the crossing, prompting the current consultation.

Bingham said:

"Whilst safety is one of our highest priorities, we also know just how important this path is to many local people - dog walkers, families, and older residents who rely on this important connection. This consultation runs until 22 December, external and aims to ensure that every stakeholder's perspective is heard and considered before any final decision is made. Our heartfelt sympathies are with Josh's family and friends as well as with the wider community that has been deeply affected by this devastating incident."

Since the tragedy, tributes including dozens of floral messages have been left at the crossing. Nottingham Forest also paid tribute to Josh, a former academy player at the club, ahead of their game against Brighton on Sunday.

Image: British Transport Police