I would like to start by saying that I am not here to defend or attack Longleat as I do not know the circumstances of the derailment.

I have, however, been employed within railway signalling for more than 25 years, both here in the UK and overseas.

It would therefore, be wrong for me to assume anything without knowing the facts. I have read various reports in newspapers and online journals, including as far as the BBC and national publications.

There seems to be a lot of speculation about the cause, although I am sure, the ongoing investigation will eventually find the root cause.

I am, however, surprised to read in one publication that the investigation is being carried out by the Amusement Devices Safety Council (ADSC). I assume that the railway is operated and maintained under the Railways and Other Guided Trans-port Systems (Safety Regulations) 2006 (ROGS), as it is a passenger- carrying railway over 315mm gauge.

It should also be subject to various Railway Acts relating to signalling, brakes, passenger safety, etc.

I would therefore have expected to see that the investigation is being carried out by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), who I know from various published reports will carry investigations on private, heritage and narrow gauge railways.

I do have to ask if the ADSC have the experience of railways to carry such an investigation. While the railway may be seen as an amusement ride, from my few visits to it, it is obviously operated as a railway.

On my last visit I observed what looks like standard level crossing equipment for the footpath crossing and apparently fully interlocked signals.

Obviously the railway does take itself seriously in that respect, and therefore they probably take all other aspects of railway operation seriously.

I would like to think that for future operations, the railway will allow those who have the proper experience to investigate this incident so that the problem can be dealt with.

Name and address withheld.