Burnley death crash prompts call for action by councillor (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Burnley death crash prompts call for action by councillor

8:20am Tuesday 30th June 2009

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By Peter Magill »

A DAD-TO-BE’s death on a notorious stretch of road in Burnley has prompted calls for urgent safety work.

Borough councillor David Heginbotham is demanding that new speed warning indicators should be placed along Burnley Road, Cliviger.

His call comes after 36-year-old motorcyclist Paul Brabazon was killed in a crash on Saturday.

The tragedy is the second involving a biker in recent months on the A646, with keen rider Jamie King losing his life at nearby Portsmouth last June.

Motorcyclists often use the route at weekends with a biker cafe, on the outskirts of Todmorden, a popular hang-out for enthusiasts.

Mr Brabazon, an engineer, had been riding his Ducati bike with a group of fellow riders, just before 9.30am, when he attempted to overtake a Renault near a layby.

But he lost control of his bike and was thrown off, sustaining serious injuries, according to road police.

Mr Brabazon, of Littleborough, near Rochdale, was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but died a short time later.

Last night his widow Emma said: “Paul was a devoted husband, soon to be a father and a much-loved brother.

“He lived life to the full with bikes and sporting activities.

"He was the life and soul of the party, successful in his career and always strived for the best.

“With all his fantastic caring qualities, he would have been the most amazing dad.

"Paul will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.”

An investigation has been launched by the road policing unit based at Colne, led by Sgt Tracy Ward, who has appealed for witnesses.

Sgt Ward said: “Even the smallest pieces of information may be important as I discover exactly what happened on Saturday morning.

“This is a most distressing time for Paul's family and we have specially trained officers supporting them.”

Coun Heginbotham said that funding should be made available by Cliviger Parish Council for new speed indicators.

“This is an issue which I have brought up at the parish council before - we need flashing speed indicators which are solar-powered,” he said.

“There is one on Barden Lane in Burnley, I believe, and they do work. If people see these flashing lights then they automatically slow down.

“The last three deaths I can think of on this road have all involved motorcyclists and we need to do something about it.

“They come out of Todmorden, under the railway bridge, and open out their bikes. It is like a little Isle of Man TT track.””

Coun Heginbotham says he will raise the issue at July’s parish council meeting.

Witnesses to the Cliviger crash can call Sgt Ward on 01282 472431.

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