PRESSURE is mounting on Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon to announce a 'long overdue' inquiry into the fatal Potters Bar derailment. Hertsmere MP James Clappison has long campaigned for a public examination of the crash, which killed seven people and injure

PRESSURE is mounting on Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon to announce a "long overdue" inquiry into the fatal Potters Bar derailment.

Hertsmere MP James Clappison has long campaigned for a public examination of the crash, which killed seven people and injured more than 70 on May 10, 2002.

Mr Clappison, who has represented Potters Bar in Westminster since 1992, said: "I am very keen that we get an announcement so that we know what's happening.

"I think a decision is long overdue and we are now approaching the seventh anniversary."

He added: "My position has always been that a public inquiry is the right inquiry to hold. We want an inquiry as soon as possible."

Renewed calls for a public review of the Potters Bar crash surfaced in October, following the publication of a report into the Grayrigg derailment in Cumbria in February 2007.

At the time, Mr Hoon told the Commons he would consider the implications of the report, before deciding whether to hold an inquiry.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "In reaching a decision on the next steps for the Grayrigg and Potters Bar accidents, the Secretary of State is giving careful consideration to the RAIB (Rail Accident Investigation Board) report and the views of affected parties.

"He considers it essential to ensure that the way forward selected is one which will deliver closure to those who were affected with minimal delay."

He added: "The Secretary of State is mindful that two years have passed since the accident at Grayrigg, and expects to be in a position to announce his decision very shortly.