Incident prompts warning to farmers

Farming chiefs have reinforced warnings to Shropshire landowners to keep country lanes clear after a disabled cyclist was left stranded after a crash caused by hedge debris.

See also: Payout after hedge debris causes crash

Wheelchair user Andy Ebben, a health and safety consultant from Market Drayton, was cycling between Cheswardine and Adbaston when both tyres of his recumbent bicycle - where the cyclist is in a laid-back riding position - were punctured by hawthorn and blackthorn debris.

Mr Ebben, 55, was thrown onto the road, suffering severe cuts, bruises and grazes and his £2,500 bike was badly damaged.

As a result of the incident, which happened in November last year, Mr Ebben was awarded compensation to cover the damage to his bike.

The health and safety consultant said it was his determination to prevent similar accidents happening, however, that motivated him to take legal action.

Oliver Cartwright, National Farmers' Union (NFU) spokesman, said landowners do receive advice to help avoid such incidents.

"The NFU would encourage farmers to clear up material from the road to help avoid unnecessary accidents and we often give advice to our members on such issues," he said.

"Farmers look after and manage the countryside and when they do trim hedges they are acting responsibly to help avoid road accidents, by giving motorists clear lines of sight when driving, especially on country lanes and around sharp corners."