The fact that villagers warned Network Rail of the dangers of the crossing near Tackley station five years ago shows that the people who use it daily had real concerns.

Then we learn that Network Rail pushed ahead with a planning application for a tunnel and won permission.

That is to its credit, but then it decided against building the tunnel, apparently because a risk assessment concluded safety signs were sufficient.

This week's death of an elderly villager on the crossing is sad proof that the assessment was wrong.

The parish council wants to meet Network Rail to discuss further safety measures as this crossing is used daily by villagers accessing the station.

Commuters have to open a gate and walk across the track to access the southbound platform.

And passengers alighting on the southbound platform have to do the same to get to the northbound entrance.

The fact that there have been no other fatalities at the spot might simply be pure luck. A fresh assessment of the risks faced by travellers is needed urgently.