text: Tragic: Olivia Bazlinton, 13, and Charlotte Thompson, 14, died after being struck by an express train . The families of two teenage girls killed by a train at a level crossing have been shut out of a meeting where they planned to challenge Network Rail bosses over their bonuses and passenger safety. Olivia Bazlinton, 13, and Charlotte Thompson, 14, died when an express train hit them at Elsenham station, Essex, in December 2005 as they set off on a Christmas shopping trip. The friends had been using the station’s unlocked footpath crossing to catch a service to Cambridge when they were struck by a through train bound for Stansted Airport. An inquest returned verdicts of accidental death – but it later emerged that crucial safety reports had not been disclosed to the coroner, leading to allegations of a cover-up. Network Rail was subsequently convicted of criminal negligence and fined £1 million over the deaths. However, campaigners say too many dangerous crossings still exist in rural areas – despite a Network Rail closure programme – and that ‘excessive’ bonus payments to executives totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds are not justified. The girls’ parents had planned to raise their concerns at a meeting in London last week organised by Network Rail’s Public Members, a watchdog whose role is to hold the taxpayer-funded body to account. However, their request to attend was turned down. Last night the girls’ fathers, Chris Bazlinton and Reg Thompson, said in a statement: ‘Bonus payments were made to Network Rail executives even after failures in regard to safety at level crossings, resulting in many deaths, including those of our daughters. ‘We had hoped that Members would challenge Network Rail on these issues and ensure action to improve safety at level crossings is speeded up. The Network Rail governance structure is seriously flawed and not fit for purpose.’ Network Rail, which receives a £4 million annual subsidy from the taxpayer, does not have shareholders. Instead, its activities are scrutinised by a panel of about 30 individuals, appointed by independent assessors for three-year terms. Fatal accident site: Olivia Bazlinton, 13, and Charlotte Thompson, 14, were fatally struck Elsenham station, Essex, in December 2005 . Last year, chief executive Sir David Higgins, who has since left the company, saw his basic £591,425 salary boosted by a £67,919 bonus, while network operations chief Robin Gisby, who has also left, received a £47,641 bonus on top of his £380,275 salary. In total, the firm’s bosses received £250,000 in bonuses last year. A Network Rail spokesman said: ‘The tragedy at Elsenham was a watershed for this company and the way it approaches safety at level crossings, and members of the families have played a pivotal role in this. As a result… level crossings in Britain are among the safest in Europe, but there is still much that can, and will be done to make them safer still.’ David Porter, co-ordinator of the Public Members, said: ‘The decision not to invite the families to the workshop was… in no way influenced by Network Rail. The Members are independent but their role is limited and they are not involved in the day-to-day running of the company.’
target: Olivia Bazlinton, 13, and Charlotte Thompson, 14, struck by express train .
  Network Rail was fined £1 million over their deaths for criminal negligence .
  Parents were shut out of meetings where they planned to challenge bosses .
  The firm’s bosses received £250,000 in bonuses last year .