CALLS are being made for a public inquiry following the publication of an interim report that blames poor maintenance for Friday's train crash at Grayrigg, reports Ruth Lythe.

The report found a faulty set of points next to the site of the crash were the "immediate cause" of the accident in which an elderly woman died.

The Virgin Pendolino train, carrying 120 passengers from London Euston to Glasgow, crossed the points, seconds before it derailed.

Investigators with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch found that of three stretcher bars - used to hold the moving rails a fixed distance apart - at the points, one was not in position, one had nuts and bolts missing, and two of the three were fractured.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has called for a public inquiry into the accident in response to a statement by the Secretary of State for Transport, Douglas Alexander MP..

In his response, Mr Farron thanked emergency services and hospitals for their speed and professionalism, and the local residents who he said emerged with "heroic credit" as a result of their incredible support."

Following the publication of the report Mr Farron also met with Network Rail's chief executive John Armitt who said that his organisation was "devastated" by the report's conclusion that faulty points were to blame.

"I stressed to Mr Armitt the need for good communication with local residents, not just immediately around the crash site but in the surrounding areas as well," said Mr Farron.

Eight other passengers were badly injured in Friday's 95 mph crash which saw much of the nine-carriage train derail and hurtle 600 metres into nearby farmland.

Twenty-two of the 120 passengers on board the train were taken to hospital with eight sustaining serious injuries, including driver Iain Black. Three were still in a serious condition as the Citizen went to press.

n For an analysis of the crash, pictures and interviews, don't miss The Westmorland Gazette, out on Friday.