HIGHWAYS bosses have been urged to act faster to make improvements to a railway bridge after the tragic suicide of a teenage boy.

Kayden Cantlow, 14, died after he was hit by a train in July close to his home in Colchester.

Senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray ruled that he had meant to take his own life at an inquest, where she heard evidence that the youngster was struggling to cope following the death of his mother Michelle from cancer almost exactly a year before.

It is believed Kayden accessed the track via St Dominic’s Bridge - known as the Blue Bridge - and his family have started a campaign, spearheaded by his brother Francis, for safety improvements.

Essex Highways are planning a second inspection of the site in November but Ms Beasley-Murray said something had to be done quicker.

Gazette:

Tragedy - Kayden Cantlow

Addressing Kayden’s family, she said: “I am mindful there have been recommendations from the agency and want an update within seven days,” she said.

“I do not want this to drift and wish you well with your campaign.”

She added: “What a tragedy.

“He clearly was a much loved little boy, a delightful little boy with a bright future.”

Essex Coroner’s Court heard the driver of the train had spotted a figure running onto the tracks but was unable to stop in time.

Kayden died of multiple injuries he sustained.

Dad Vinny paid tribute to his son.

He said: “He was quiet lad and kept himself to himself,” he said.

“He always wanted to help people.

“In my opinion, he did mean to do this.

“He was missing his mum and wanted to be back in her arms.”

More than 5,000 people have signed the petition calling for improvements to the bridge.

To sign go to change.org/p/colchester-borough-council-i-want-to-improve-the-bridge-to-improve-people-s-lifes-and-save-lifes.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Essex Highways is aware of the request from the Coroner following this tragic incident and we will of course update the coroner urgently on current progress towards implementing further safety measures on the bridge.

“We used the first possible opportunity, once we had Network Rail permission, on August 16, to inspect the bridge.

“Design work for the preferred option, in discussion with British Transport Police, will be finished by November.

“Engineering solutions depend on the structural strength of the bridge and permissions to work from Network Rail, but we are confident that we can add some further physical restraints at the earliest opportunity to prevent anyone using the bridge to access the tracks.”

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