THE family of a man who died on the railway line in Bournemouth has welcomed measures taken to stop other families facing the same tragedy.

Neil Francis Street died after being struck by a train on the tracks at Palmerston foot crossing in September last year.

An inquest into the death of the 49-year-old, BCP Council and Network Rail outlined safety improvements made at the St Clement's Road site in the aftermath of the incident.

The hearing, held part-remotely at Dorset Coroner's Court, Bournemouth Town Hall, also heard how family of Mr Street – a technical customer care engineer who lived at Bennett Road, Charminster, Bournemouth – has absolutely no idea he was experiencing any difficulties.

Mr Street had not approached any medical professional for any help, and only spoke of his depression and suicidal thoughts in a note left for his family after his death.

Speaking at the inquest hearing remotely, his mum, Mary Street, said: "He just kept everything to himself. If he'd have said anything we could have helped him.

"I just couldn't believe it, I said no it couldn't be Neil."

Mr Street, who was found on the tracks with fatal injuries consistent with a collision with a train, was pronounced dead on the morning of September 5, 2019, the hearing was told.

In the aftermath, his grieving family worked to ensure safety improvements were made at the spot, in a bid to prevent other families going through the same tragedy they had.

Since Mr Street's death, a cycle barrier and grit bin – which may have helped trespassers climb a gate to get access to the railway tracks – have been removed.

Network Rail and BCP Council is also working to heighten trackside fencing and cage off the Palmerston footbridge, so no-one can access the tracks from it.

Also, Network Rail officers based at Pokesdown and Bournemouth railway stations now include the footbridge in regular patrols.

Coroner Rachael Griffin, recording a conclusion of suicide, said: "He (Neil) was a gentleman who was kind and a caring and devoted to his family, and they were devoted to him.

"He was a very private gentleman and I believe protected his family and those around him from the troubles he was encountering in his life."

Mrs Griffin said it is likely Neil made his way to the railway track the previous night, and it is likely he lay on the tracks at that location.

"Nobody could have known what he was going to do, not even those closest to him," said Mrs Griffin. "Because he never indicated that he was upset, distressed or troubled."

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