Sutton Straw Plant Planning Procedural Changes After Man's Death

THE world s largest straw-fuelled power plant is planning procedural changes following the death of a haulier at its Sutton premises. EPR Limited, who took over the running of the electricity-generating plant in 2004, is to make changes to the delivery a

THE world's largest straw-fuelled power plant is planning procedural changes following the death of a haulier at its Sutton premises.

EPR Limited, who took over the running of the electricity-generating plant in 2004, is to make changes to the delivery area where 53-year-old Barway haulier, Gary Robert Darnell, was crushed by a two-tonne bale in September.

Mr Darnell, an experienced haulier, was employed by Ely-based firm Eastern Landworks and regularly delivered to the EPR plant on Elean Business Park.

He left a wife of 34 years, Yvonne, and three children, Jamie, Lee, 33, Jamie, 31, and Nikki, 30, as well as four grandchildren.

As health and safety investigators' reports are submitted to the coroner, EPR has submitted its own plans to East Cambs District Council. Changes described by a spokesperson as "tweaks" include allowing lorries a wider turning circle and creating a "habitat" - shelter - for drivers whilst bales are unloaded.

"We are just following normal protocol," said the spokesperson.

East Cambs District Council is considering those proposals alongside changes to delivery routes. Haddenham Parish Council met with EPR representatives last month to discuss lorries using the village as a shortcut, and spilling straw on the road, and decisions are expected by March 12.

A date for the jury inquest into Mr Darnell's death is expected to be set by May.