MP calls for sackings at Jarvis (From This Is Local London)

MP calls for sackings at Jarvis

10:46am Wednesday 24th September 2003 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Hertsmere MP James Clappison and Potters Bar councillor Keith Gray have called for sackings at track maintenance firm Jarvis.

The firm caused last week's derailment at King Cross by failing to replace a length of rail and the company was also responsible for the set of points which caused a train to derail at Potters Bar last May, killing seven people and injuring 76.

The Health and Safety Executive blamed poor points maintenance for the high speed crash.

Now Mr Clappison and Keith Gray, a councillor for Potters Bar East, which includes Potters Bar railway station, have said it is time someone is held to account.

Mr Clappison said: "Many of my constituents, already deeply traumatised, are absolutely aghast as a result of this latest fiasco.

"Somebody must be called to account for these failures."

Mr Gray said: "I am utterly appalled.

"But for the slow speed of the train, the disaster could have been horrendous. I have since received numerous calls from worried Potters Bar residents demanding that heads must roll — to ensure we get a safe railway system so we can have the confidence to use public transport systems — and the sooner the better."

Jarvis admitted it was at fault for the Kings Cross derailment. In a statement, the company said: "It would appear that, after undertaking lengthy overnight rail maintenance work, the Jarvis maintenance team omitted to make the final disconnection on one of the points in question."