THE inquest into the May 2002 derailment at Potters Bar, which claimed the lives of seven people, has heard a warning from a rail union that budget cutbacks are making the railway more dangerous again.

RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary Mick Cash told the hearing at Letchworth that current reductions in maintenance staff numbers are leading to a situation "where a further serious rail disaster is becoming more likely".

The union is also claiming that sub-contracting is 'playing a major part in compromising safety standards'.

It said although many major contracts are now back in house others, such as possessions and renewals, are still contracted. Sub contracting and use of agency staff is also still a significant factor in maintenance, particularly at weekends.

The union alleged that this has 'helped create a culture of inadequate maintenance and inspection training'.

Network Rail is reducing the number of maintenance staff by 1,500, but denies that safety is being compromised in any way. The company said the reductions are the result of more efficient ways of working.

Outgoing chief executive Iain Coucher has told Railnews that the company is being required to introduce major efficiencies by the Office of Rail Regulation, which meant effectively that "we must carry out £35 billion worth of work for £30 billion".

The inquest into the Potters Bar accident, in which a train from London to King's Lynn was derailed on points while travelling at almost 160km/h (100mph) is continuing.