Inquiries delay inquest into station death

Nicola Berridge, aged 53, of Potton Road, Biggleswade, died following a collision with a lorry at the station on February 20.

Bedfordshire and Luton Senior Coroner Tom Osborne heard at a pre-inquest review today that a decision had yet to be made on whether there should be a criminal prosecution.

Ms Berridge died after being in colllision with a vehicle delivering materials to the bus station as part of ongoing improvement works there.

Emma Page from the Health and Safety Executive, said a report on the incident should be ready by December.

She said it was a complicated investigation which could involve up to five different duty holders on the site.

Mr Osborne, sitting at the coroners court in Ampthill, adjourned the inquest for a further pre-inquest inquiry to take place on November 25.

He apologised to Ms Berridge’s family for the delay but said the main inquest may have to be delayed if criminal proceedings were brought.

After the incident earlier this year a spokesman for Bedford Borough Council, which was in charge of improvement works at the bus station, said: “The news that there has been a tragic death following a traffic collision in Greenhill Street has been received with huge sadness across the council.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all those involved in the incident.”