Latest news with #StormEunice
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Family of highway worker crushed to death by 'rotten and unsafe' tree during Storm Eunice are suing for £200,000 compensation
The family of a highway worker killed by an 'unsafe' tree during Storm Eunice are suing for more than £200,000 compensation over his death. Jack Bristow, 23, died of major head injuries when an 18 ton 'rotten' tree crushed the truck in which he was travelling after delivering traffic equipment to a site in Alton, Hampshire. He had been out doing essential maintenance work, collecting traffic light equipment that could have posed a significant danger to the public. The horror accident happened just minutes after answering a text from his mother asking if he was okay. Mr Bristow, from Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, left a son now aged four - as well as other grieving relatives, including his parents, Teresa and Gary Bristow, who are now suing over their son's death. They are seeking over £200,000 compensation for his estate from the owner of the land where the tree was sited, David Meisels, and Mr Bristow's employer, Hooke Highways Ltd. They claim the young man should not have been sent out to work in the deadly storm and that Mr Meisels should have taken action about his tree, which they say was rotten and unsafe. But lawyers for the landowner are denying any blame and arguing that the accident was 'an act of God and a natural event that could not reasonably have been anticipated or prevented'. The Storm Eunice cyclone hammered the south east of England on February 18, 2022, and was considered to be the worst storm to batter Britain in more than 30 years. Prior to the storm, the Met Office issued weather warnings, which covered Hampshire and parts of Oxfordshire, stating: 'The red warning areas indicate a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.' They later advised that only essential travel should take place. The young father was one of four killed by the storm, with his family's lawyers claiming that his employers were well aware of the red warnings and the high winds anticipated in Hampshire. They had posted a 'STAY SAFE' message on Facebook, which pointed out that some county councils in the West Country had warned against 'unnecessary travel'. On the morning of February 18, he had been briefed to meet his colleague and collect traffic lights, barriers and cones to be delivered to the Alton depot, from where they planned to return to their base in Watlington, Oxfordshire. He pointed out that the tragic journey had involved a three-hour round trip in hazardous conditions, arguing that staff should have carried out a proper risk assessment beforehand and even waited for the red warning to lift before the pair were ordered out on the road. While heading back to their depot, the Mercedes Benz flatbed truck the 23-year-old and his workmate were travelling in was hit by the falling tree, 'crushing' the front cab. Emergency services who rushed to the accident in Old Odiham Road, Alton, tried to help, but were unable to treat his severe head injuries, pronouncing him dead at the scene. His colleague was also injured in the tree fall. In documents filed at the High Court, it is said Mr Bristow and his colleague were called out during extreme conditions which were known to be hazardous and that both Hooke Highway and Mr Meisels 'ought to have been aware of the red warnings and the risk of high winds.' He claims the tree that killed the highway worker was in a derelict state and should have been dealt with before the storm winds sent it crashing onto the road. The barrister cited a range of alleged defects afflicting the tree, located just to the west of Old Odiham Road, claiming it was in a 'poor and unstable condition'. The tree's plight was demonstrated by 'extensive, active and severe decay', fungal brackets, a main stem which was hollow and 'two substantial cracks' near its most vulnerable point. 'The poor condition of the tree and the risk it would fall over into the road would have been obvious to Mr Meisels and/or any competent professional had the tree been inspected,' it was argued in court documents. He claimed Mr Meisels' fault lay in 'failing to carry out sufficient and/or adequate inspections of trees that bordered the highway; failing to identify the poor condition of the tree and/or manage the risks posed by the tree; and failing to undertake any or any sufficient risk reduction works to the tree - taking into account its proximity to a road'. Lawyers for Mr Meisels said that he 'denies that the tree was in a dangerous condition that was known, or ought reasonably to have been known, by him prior to the incident. 'The tree appeared healthy, stable, and showed no visible signs of disease, decay, or structural weakness prior to the incident. Mr Meisels reasonably relied upon this appearance and was not under any obligation to obtain expert inspection absent visible warning signs. 'He avers that the tree fell was a result of an unforeseeable storm event and strong winds, which constituted an act of God and a natural event that could not reasonably have been anticipated or prevented. 'Mr Meisels exercised reasonable care as a landowner, including periodic inspections of the property and trees thereon, and therefore did not act negligently. 'Further, and in the alternative, Mr Meisels avers that the deceased was aware of the red warning and the potential risks of working under such conditions. As such, the death occurred at the deceased's own risk and/or as a result of contributory negligence,' they concluded. Mr Bristow's legal defence said his former employer should have considered delaying his equipment delivery task until the storms had died down. 'They failed to have any or any adequate regard to the severe weather and the risks it posed, as identified in the red warning or otherwise, before instructing the deceased to attend the Alton Depot,' said the barrister, adding that his superiors failed 'to consider adequately or at all other options to achieve or delay the task so as to avoid exposing the deceased to a risk of injury or death.' Paying tribute to Mr Bristow, his family previously said in a statement: 'We write this with broken hearts. The loss of a son is something you could ever be prepared for. 'Jack was a much loved son, grandson, boyfriend and father. 'Everyone knew Jack and everyone loved Jack, how could you not. He was a joker, loved to have a laugh and a good time. 'He lived life to the full, and had done and been through so much in his young 23 years. 'We are absolutely devastated and there are not enough words to describe our pain. But he lives on through his son Harvey. Rest in Peace Jack, we love you more than you will ever know.'
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'wonkiest' road where driving is 'impossible' and £5m investment to fix it
Following a major landslip caused by Storm Eunice, huge chunks of a road were broken up and cracked - pushing it 25 metres downhill and turning it into a playground for BMX enthusiasts A 'complex' mission to fix the UK's 'wonkiest' road has finally reopened, three years after a major incident. Huge chunks of the B4069 Lyneham Banks in Wiltshire were broken up and cracked back in February 2022 due to a landslip caused by Storm Eunice. This occurs when the ground becomes so saturated with water following long periods of rain that the earth becomes heavier - and water forces apart grains of soil so they no longer lock together. The landslide, which moved the road 25 metres downhill, meant the road was 'impossible' to drive on - and quickly became a playground for BMX riders. But, fixing the road wasn't as exhilarating for the council - who had to wait several months until the road stopped moving before they could even establish the best way to rebuild it. After assessing the full extent of the incident, Wiltshire Council drew up plans on several options to repair the road and prevent the landslip from reoccurring. Octavius Infrastructure then commenced works in July last year. The mammoth task cost around £5 million (including the design, construction, land cost, risk allowance, and further repairs) and involved pouring 650 cubic metres of concrete and 2,370 bags of grout into the ground. 1,500 cubic metres of excavated ground was re-used in the project, while more than 600 plants were planted in the area. After 7,500 tonnes of stone and 25,000 person-hours of construction, the road finally reopened to the public on Wednesday, April 2. The repairs have been designed to last for around 120 years. "We're delighted that the B4069 Lyneham Banks has finally reopened after several years of hard work to both restore the road and introduce measures to prevent the land from slipping again," Parvis Khansari of Wiltshire Council said back in April. "The closure has had a real effect on the local community and we thank them for their patience and understanding during the work. "I'd also like to thank our officers and the team from Octavius Infrastructure, who have worked hard to deliver this project on time and on budget. This reopening marks a significant milestone, ensuring safer and more reliable journeys for all who use the road." Chris Hudson, Operations Director of Octavius' highways business, described the project as a 'challenge' - pointing out that around 90 metres of carriageway had been lost due to the landslip. "The hillside was still creeping when we commenced work, tackling such ground conditions demanded some creative solutions," he added. "But we are about bringing people together, so it was great to help reconnect communities affected by this lengthy road closure."
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fresh hope for iconic hotel as talks spark optimism for its future
There is hope for the future of an iconic Weymouth hotel. The Riviera Hotel, at Bowleaze Cove, is a Grade II-listed art déco hotel built in 1937 which enjoys sweeping views across Weymouth Bay. Fencing went up around the site around two years ago, and the hotel stopped accepting bookings, sparking questions about its future. However, this future was recently discussed at the Weymouth Town Council full council meeting by Littlemoor and Preston councillor, Louie O'Leary. Cllr O'Leary revealed that he had a meeting with fellow ward councillor Peter Dickenson and the cabinet member for planning at Dorset Council. Cllr O'Leary said: 'A number of you will currently be aware it [the hotel] is empty and in a bit of a state. 'He [the cabinet member] is working with conservation and planning enforcement officers on the subject and the scaffolding has come down which we are unsure to know whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.' However, the councillor further revealed that there has been some interest in the site. He added: 'We do have a meeting coming up with somebody that is interested in the future of the site which hopefully will be a positive. 'Whilst it is a ward issue, it is one that affects the skyline of Weymouth, as it were, and one that affects the whole town, so, hopefully, we can get a positive way forward on that.' Last year, a member of staff at the site told the Echo that work was still going on at the site, at that time, repairs to the roof ahead of a refurbishment - though no timeline was given as to when it might re-open. The hotel, which became a listed building in 1997, was used by authorities to house homeless people during the pandemic. It suffered a major blow in February 2022 when the ballroom roof collapsed after damage caused by Storm Eunice. The following year, the 98-bedroom hotel was put on a list of 'most threatened buildings in the country of demolition, redevelopment or neglect' by the Twentieth Century Society. The future of the Weymouth venue made headlines in 2021 after estate agency Rolfe East took it off the market due to difficulty selling properties amid the pandemic. It had been up for sale for £5.5 million. The Riviera has had several owners over the years, including holiday camp owner Fred Pontin and Saudi Arabian investors. In July of this year, several youths gained entry to the grounds, sparking a police warning not to enter the site.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wiltshire in pictures: Sun, wonky roads and pigeons
We're almost a week into April and it's been a particularly bright start to the month with temperatures reaching 22C (71F) on Friday afternoon. With the warmer weather, gardens and outdoor attractions are opening to the public for the first time this year - or, in the case of the walled garden at Bowood, for the first time ever. Also this week we have had the news the B4069 Lyneham Banks has reopened three years after a devastating landslip, a charity marathon runner is raising money for the air ambulance and a pet pigeon has been getting some attention in Devizes. 270 year wait: Bowood House and Gardens, near Chippenham, has opened its walled garden to the public. The estate opened for the year on Tuesday, but for the first time is allowing access to its usually private garden. Reach for the skies: Charity marathon runner Gary MacAlister is looking to break a Guinness World Record when doing Bristol Half Marathon dressed as a helicopter next month. The Trowbridge native will be running to raise money for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance while dressed in an outfit which has been dubbed the Garycopter. Hope for the future: A mural created by young people in Swindon has been unveiled across two sites in the town. The artwork, which appears on both a new youth centre and on a children's hospital ward, features a drawing of a whale guided by butterflies towards a light bulb to show hope for a brighter future for all youngsters in Swindon. Centre stage: Abbie Smith from Chippenham got a selfie with a 5,000-strong crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday. The 24-year-old, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2023, was at a fundraising concert featuring rock band The Who. The event raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. It's a bird's life: Pam Welfare has been speaking to the BBC about her pet pigeon Pepper, who accompanies her everywhere she goes. Pepper travels with Pam, often on her shoulder and for journeys further afield, she even has her own car seat. Back in business: Lyneham Banks road has opened this week after a three year closure. Dubbed Britain's wonkiest road after a landslip during Storm Eunice, the reopening of the B4069 reconnects Chippenham and Lyneham, saving commuters a lengthy diversion to the south. Railway pioneer: A blue plaque has been unveiled in Swindon, celebrating the life of James Hurst, the first locomotive shunter for the Great Western Railway. The plaque has been placed above the front door of Hurst's final residence on Taunton Street. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wiltshire in Pictures: Let the music play Wiltshire in pictures: Sunshine and Shrove Tuesday Wiltshire in pics: Spring equinox and indoor moon
BBC News
05-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Wiltshire in Pictures: Sunshine, wonky roads and pigeons
We're almost a week into April and it's been a particularly bright start to the month with temperatures reaching 22C (71F) on Friday the warmer weather, gardens and outdoor attractions are opening to the public for the first time this year - or, in the case of the walled garden at Bowood, for the first time this week we have had the news the B4069 Lyneham Banks has reopened three years after a devastating landslip, a charity marathon runner is raising money for the air ambulance and a pet pigeon has been getting some attention in Devizes. 270 year wait: Bowood House and Gardens, near Chippenham, has opened its walled garden to the public. The estate opened for the year on Tuesday, but for the first time is allowing access to its usually private garden. Reach for the skies: Charity marathon runner Gary MacAlister is looking to break a Guinness World Record when doing Bristol Half Marathon dressed as a helicopter next Trowbridge native will be running to raise money for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance while dressed in an outfit which has been dubbed the Garycopter. Hope for the future: A mural created by young people in Swindon has been unveiled across two sites in the artwork, which appears on both a new youth centre and on a children's hospital ward, features a drawing of a whale guided by butterflies towards a light bulb to show hope for a brighter future for all youngsters in Swindon. Centre stage: Abbie Smith from Chippenham got a selfie with a 5,000-strong crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday. The 24-year-old, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2023, was at a fundraising concert featuring rock band The Who. The event raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. It's a bird's life: Pam Welfare has been speaking to the BBC about her pet pigeon Pepper, who accompanies her everywhere she travels with Pam, often on her shoulder and for journeys further afield, she even has her own car seat. Back in business: Lyneham Banks road has opened this week after a three year closure. Dubbed Britain's wonkiest road after a landslip during Storm Eunice, the reopening of the B4069 reconnects Chippenham and Lyneham, saving commuters a lengthy diversion to the south. Railway pioneer: A blue plaque has been unveiled in Swindon, celebrating the life of James Hurst, the first locomotive shunter for the Great Western plaque has been placed above the front door of Hurst's final residence on Taunton Street.
