A petition has been launched to close a road in Hoghton where there is a level crossing following a fatal collision between a train and a car last month.
Social worker Kerry Coombes, 33, died after a train was in collision with her car at the crossing in Station Road, Hoghton, on Thursday, June 25.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, while her eight-year-old daughter was taken to hospital, where she was in a critical condition.
The exact circumstances of how the collision occurred, and police are continuing to conduct investigations into the incident.
Andy Davies has now created a petition calling on Network Rail and Lancashire County Council to close the level crossing and thereby block through access on Station Road.
He states that it is “difficult to understand” why the level crossing remains necessary when the nearby A675 already provides the main route through the area.
There are around 1,500 highway level crossings in use across the country, which are essential to ensure the efficient running of the railway system and feature automated warning lights, signs and barriers.
According to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch's annual report, there was one instance of a train-road vehicle collision at a level crossing in 2025, which was down to signaller error.
Mr Davies' petition said: “On June 25, a devastating collision at Station Road Level Crossing, Hoghton claimed the life of Kerry Coombes and left her young daughter with life-threatening injuries.
“While the circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, one fact is beyond dispute: whenever roads and railways cross, there is the potential for tragedy.
“Having looked at the local road network, it is difficult to understand why this level crossing remains necessary when the nearby A675 already provides the main route through the area.
"Station Road appears to serve primarily as a local cut-through, yet it requires motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to cross an active railway line.
“This petition is not about assigning blame or prejudging the outcome of any investigation. It is about preventing another family from experiencing the unimaginable.”
Kerry Coombes was a coach at Lostock Hall Juniors FC, a club where she volunteered for 14 years, which set up a JustGiving page to help the family.
More than £13,000 was raised, with the club stating that Kerry’s “commitment and caring nature helped to shape the experiences of so many families”.
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Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West Route director, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Kerry Coombes, who tragically lost her life, and her daughter, who remains in hospital.
"Our teams are working closely with the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in order to support their investigations into the circumstances of what happened."
An investigation was launched by the British Transport Police following the incident, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is also deciding whether it should investigate.
Network Rail has confirmed that they are aware of the petition, but wouldn't decide to close the crossing until investigations are complete.
The British Transport Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information who has yet to speak to officers to get in touch.
This can be done by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 152 of June 25.
Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Network Rail and Lancashire County Council have been contacted for comment.
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