RAIL maintenance firm Network Rail was accused of ignoring safety warnings and risking a derailment after a rusted signal toppled over yesterday.

Transport union RMT said that — by sheer luck — the signal fell away from the track, not on to it.

The incident happened at Cantley in Norfolk on the Norwich to Lowestoft line.

The signal had rusted through at its base.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the incident was “a grim reminder that maintenance schedules have been allowed to slip and corners are being cut.”

He said RMT safety reps had warned managers about the signal.

“Once again those warnings have been ignored. That is outrageous and RMT will not tolerate a position where lives are being put at risk on our transport services because of a pig-headed and cash-led reluctance to listen and to act.”

RMT will raise the issue with management.