EDITOR'S COMMENT: Blown over lorries a tragedy in the making
Storm Doris caused considerable damage as she blew through our region but thankfully, unlike in other areas, there was no serious injury or loss of life.
However, looking at some of the accidents caused by high winds it is astonishing that was the case.
There were several instances of lorries blowing over... if a cyclist or a car had been in the way at the time of any of these incidents there’s little doubt the worst would have happened.
Which brings the vexed question of why so many high-sided vehicles were on the roads as Doris blew in. After all, many train services had been cancelled the day before and warnings had been issued by weather experts, the media, and the emergency services.
One incident is bad enough, but there were many, all equally terrifying. Surely in situations like this more needs to be done to protect and, if necessary, prevent high-sided vehicles from travelling on the roads - some collective action by the haulage industry is needed to prevent tragedies on the rare occasions winds of that magnitude are forecast.
Remarkable Effie
The news that little Effie Hadman had passed is deeply sad. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones. Her short life was brightened by the support of local fundraisers who helped her and her family.
At this sad time the family are asking for donations to some very worthy charities. Effie was remarkable and so is her family’s courage.