Fewston fights back
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Karen Miles • In the face of growing opposition over its future in the wake of the Sowerby Bridge disaster, Fewston Transport says it is about to release its side of the story over the tragedy.
At public inquiry later this year, the Skipton, North Yorks-based company will be arguing for a new 0-licence because it has introduced a new mechanical defect reporting system for drivers. The new system was asked for earlier this year by North Eastern Licensing Authority Keith Waterworth. At the last public inquiry in March, LA Waterworth prematurely terminated the licence.
Fewston managing director Tony Eyers says: "There has so far only been one side of the story. If the LA revokes our licence it's up to him, but we have satisfied the requirements he asked for."
Relatives of the six people killed last year by a Fewston tipper are planning to object to the renewal through Calderdale Council.
No date has yet been set for the public inquiry but it will be the first time the LA will be able to consider the Sowerby incident.
The accident happened when the brakes failed on the vehicle, killing two pedestrians and a child, the driver Derek Waterworth and a van driver.
At Halifax Magistrates Court, the company was fined £3,000 for operating a vehicle with defective brakes. And at a coroner's inquest on the deaths, a verdict of unlawful killing was returned.
Meanwhile, the driver's widow Brenda Waterworth says she has issued a summons against Fewston for negligence. Eyers denies having received it.