BOSSES at York-based rail giant Jarvis could soon learn if they are to face charges relating to the Potters Bar train crash.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and British Transport Police (BTP) have indicated their two-year investigation in the rail crash was "drawing to a close".

In a meeting with the injured and bereaved on Tuesday, the HSE said BTP and the Crown Prosecution Service would then decide whether a prosecution for manslaughter was appropriate.

The news came during a troubled week for Jarvis, which has announced it was selling off £25 million of property, including Jarvis House - its York headquarters - and interests in the central York site. Shares in Jarvis dropped 12 per cent in the wake of that decision.

Seven people died and dozens were injured when a West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN) train derailed outside Potters Bar station in May, 2002.

A HSE investigation a year later revealed poor maintenance was likely to have played its part, with the set of points thought to be responsible for the accident deemed "not fit for purpose".

Jarvis Rail was the maintenance company on the stretch of track where the accident happened, while Railtrack was responsible for maintenance across the network.

A statement on the HSE's website revealed if no manslaughter charge was found to be appropriate, inquests into the deaths could then be held.

But Jarvis Rail could still face prosecution following those inquests, as the HSE would then decide whether action needs to be taken in regard to health and safety offences.

A final report into the crash can only be published after all investigations have been completed and any legal proceedings completed or ruled out.

A Jarvis spokesman today said the company would do "everything" it could to continue to assist in the ongoing investigation into the rail disaster "throughout the process".

Earlier this week, the Evening Press reported how Jarvis shareholders were urged to back the property deals which could affect the company's "ability to trade" if they were blocked.

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, December 09, 2004