The Wheeler home will never be the same again after 14-year-old Sacha was killed by a train on a pedestrian crossing.

But her parents, Jim and Heather, hope that a crumb of comfort might come from the tragedy if they can prevent another happening.

Their determination was strengthened last week by an inquest into the death of the Simon Langton Girls pupil.

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The coroner was highly critical of Network Rail for failing to act on its own safety concerns for the Glebe Way crossing in Whitstable, where there have been four deaths and a serious injury since 2010.

Music-loving Sacha died on February 8 when she crossed while wearing earphones. It is thought she did not hear the train or see it because it was dark.

Software developer Jim, 49, and nurse Heather, 47, who live in nearby West Cliff, accept their daughter was probably distracted by listening to music.

But they fear for other young people and the hard of hearing as the London-bound train only comes into sight for 14 seconds until it speeds though the crossing at 50mph.

Heather said: “I understand closing the crossing would be inconvenient for some people, and I don’t want to alienate them.

“But I feel that it is dangerous and I would like Network Rail to close it.

“It’s about the local community who do have young children who may not use it now, but will on their own as they get older, like Sacha. I don’t think putting in flashing warning lights will be enough.

“Network Rail has no record at all for doing anything at Glebe Way despite twice assessing it as high risk and having a budget for pedestrian crossings.

“You can eliminate the whole problem by not having a crossing at all.

“It may be that some people, particularly dog walkers, will have a slight longer route but I am appealing to them to just forego that for the greater good. Many people I have spoken to say it should now be closed.”

Mrs Wheeler has walked and timed the alternative routes herself and found the maximum extra time for the journey was about three minutes, which she described as negligible.

She said: “Closing it will provide a safer area for everyone because I am convinced that Sacha’s death will not be the last.

"We accept she made a mistake – she had her earphones in and it was very dark – but it could easily happen to another teenager.”

Mrs Wheeler says she has written to Canterbury and Whistable MP Julian Brazier asking for a meeting about the crossing ahead of a public consultation held by Network Rail.

She said: “Our family, including our son Zack, who is 12, have been completely devastated by what’s happened. We have got this for life now.

"I think that if any crumb of comfort can come out of the tragedy we have suffered, it is that no one else has to go through it" - Jim Wheeler

“She was our girl and she’s not here any more. We wouldn’t want anyone else to have to walk in our shoes.”

Mr Wheeler’s job takes him to London on the train two days a week and during the journey he has to face the train passing the spot where Sacha was killed.

He said: “The first time was about three weeks after she died but I simply had to carry on working.

“It was very hard and I had to mentally brace myself. It only lasts a few seconds but every time now I get through it by having a special thought for Sacha.

“I think that if any crumb of comfort can come out of the tragedy we have suffered, it is that no one else has to go through it.”

Dozens of people, especially dog walkers, use the crossing every day. None of those KentOnline's sister paper the Kentish Gazette spoke to wanted it closed, but agreed it could be made safer.

George Rushton, 67, who has lived in Glebe Way for 17 years, crosses the line almost every day. He said: “It’s very convenient and a short cut to the town that avoids having to walk along the busy main road with its narrow pavements, which isn’t very safe itself.

“You certainly have to watch yourself when you cross because the trains are quite frequent and travel pretty fast.

"But I think closing it altogether would be an unpopular move, although perhaps they could install some flashing lights.”

Stuart Chivers, also of Glebe Way, said: “I think closing it would be an over-reaction while emotions are obviously running high.

“It has to be remembered that three of the deaths have been suicides and not as a result of accidents.

“But there may be a case for improving the safety.”

Tina Webb said: “I have used it almost every day for four years as a shortcut.

“It was a tragic accident and I feel for the family, but I don’t think it’s Network Rail’s fault. Perhaps better lighting and warning lights are the best solution.”

Network Rail spokesman James Banks says all options are being considered and an informal meeting between staff and the city council was due to be held yesterday.

He said: “Any death on the railway is a tragedy and the impact is felt not only by those who knew the person but also by the train driver and staff who are involved in the aftermath. We want to do everything we can to stop this from happening.

“We remain committed to working with the community to find a solution. The constraints of the site mean that this will not be a simple exercise and we are exploring a number of options to replace the crossing."

He said the company is investing £100m to improve level crossing safety over the next four years.

Over the last six years he said measures taken included closing 900 level crossings, replacing foot crossings with bridges, fitting power-operated gates and installing warning lights.

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