South Ribble Borough Council charged over death of van driver killed by tree during storm

South Ribble Borough Council are to be prosecuted over the death of a man, killed when a tree fell on his van during a storm.

Paul Fiddler, 41, died when a 200-year-old tree fell onto his Citroen van as he travelled to work along the A59 Longton Bypass on December 7, 2024, during Storm Darragh.

The tree that fell on Paul’s van was on South Ribble Borough Council land and covered the both lanes of the Preston-bound carriageway when it collapsed.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have spent nearly two years investigating the circumstances of the incident, and today revealed to the Post that South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) has been charged under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

A HSE spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Health & Safety Executive has taken the decision to prosecute South Ribble Borough Council in relation to the death of Paul Fiddler.

“Paul was killed when a tree fell on his vehicle as he drove along the A59 Longton Bypass in Hutton on 7 December 2024.

“Our decision follows an investigation which was initially conducted jointly with Lancashire Police. We remind all those concerned that criminal proceedings are now active.

“Our thoughts remain with Paul’s family at this difficult time.”

No court date for the first hearing has been set.

About Paul

Paul was just 41 when he died, travelling from Burscough to Freckleton as he did every day, for work in the family business - Hughes and Fiddler and Freckleton, and Fred Hughes in Preston.

He had only been married since February 2024 to Jayne, who has been described as “the absolute love of his life”. A proud step-dad to Emily, he also adored his nieces and nephew.

Sport was Paul’s other great love. He was naturally gifted at football, cricket, sprinting, and was even a black belt in taekwondo. He played for Kirkham Juniors, won the Hogan Cup at Bloomfield Road, and later went on to America on a football scholarship to the University of Rio Grande where he was part of the only team in the university’s history to win the 2003 cup. He was even invited to trial for the David Beckham Academy while he was out there.

When he came back to the UK, he eventually moved into coaching at Lytham Town with his best friend Chris Best. Lytham Town FC described Paul as a “well-loved coach, football player, gaffer but most of all a true friend.”

More than 1,000 people attended his funeral, the village flag in Freckleton was lowered to half-mast for the first time ever, the Lytham windmill was lit up in blue and white, and Preston North End did a tribute in the 41st minute. Paul’s parents even received a letter directly from the House of Commons saying they wished they’d had the chance to meet him and that the world needs more people like Paul.

Every year since his death, the Paul Fiddler Memorial Trophy football match is held, raising thousands of pounds for local schools and grassroots sports in his memory.