Binman in wagon tragedy

From the Chorley Citizen, first published Thursday 26th Apr 2007.

A binman has been killed after being hit by a refuse collection truck in Penwortham.

Graham Bannister, 53, of Larch Avenue, off Botany Brow, Chorley, who has worked for Leyland-based Enterprise plc for 17 years, was completing his collection rounds when the incident happened in Priory Lane shortly after 3pm yesterday afternoon.

He was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

A spokesman for Enterprise plc, which is contracted by South Ribble Borough Council to collect refuse in the area, described the death as a tragic accident.

He said: "Enterprise plc is deeply saddened by this news.

"Colleagues and friends at Enterprise offer their condolences to Graham's relatives and friends.

"The company shall conduct an extensive inquiry into what appears, at this time, to have been a tragic accident and is co-operating with all inquiries."

The area was cordoned off until early evening while the police carried out an accident investigation.

South Ribble Borough Council said it would be liaising with Enterprise plc during the investigations.

Chief executive Jean Hunter said: "We understand that a waste collection vehicle was involved in an accident in Penwortham this afternoon.

"We are now liaising with Enterprise plc, the firm that delivers waste collection services in South Ribble, to gather information and try to determine what has happened."

The driver of the bin wagon was arrested by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but was later bailed.

No inquest has yet been opened.

Mr Bannister, a divorcé, leaves a son.

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