THE steam railway company suspended by Network Rail after a near-miss with a 100mph First Great Western service near Royal Wootton Bassett last month has promised to address all safety concerns.

At around 5.25pm on March 5, the 13-carriage Cathedrals Express service, pulled by engine Tangmere, failed to stop at a danger signal on the approach to the double line junction near Wootton Bassett, and missed its mark by 700 yards.

It came to rest at the Wootton Bassett junction just one minute after the previous train had passed through.

The Battle of Britain class steam loco was travelling between Bristol Temple Meads and Southend Victoria, and it is believed it was First Great Western’s 15.28 Swansea to London Paddington high-speed passenger service which it narrowly avoided.

Following a meeting on March 30, which Network Rail says exposed inadequate controls and communication systems within the company, a total network ban has been imposed upon West Coast Railways (WCR), which also owns the famous Hogwarts Express locomotive, until serious safety concerns are addressed.

This is the first time a total ban has been given to any rail operator.

An investigation is under way into the events, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has said it has seen evidence that the driver and fireman of the cab took steps to negate the effects of the automatic braking system.

Network Rail has insisted at least five out of seven shortfalls in its operations must be resolved by May 15 in order for them to consider returning WCR services on its tracks.

WCR has said it will comply fully with the requirements, and passengers with journeys booked may be able to travel with alternative operators.

A spokesman for WCR said: “West Coast Railways is working hard to reverse the current suspension imposed by Network Rail by fully satisfying their safety concerns.

“Passengers booked to travel with West Coast Railways and on their associated trips should not be concerned.

“If necessary, West Coast Railways will charter the service of another licensed operator using the same traditional carriages and trips will be unaffected.

“West Coast Railways hope this will not be necessary and trust any issues will be resolved to the satisfaction of Network Rail.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “This decision has not been taken lightly.

“We have set out a number of actions to address the safety concerns raised and will continue to work with WCR to ensure their services can run safely in the future.”