A525: Wrexham council told to cut hedge after biker's death

Michael Howard Williams died after his motorbike was in a collision

A hedge which obstructs a road should be cut to improve visibility after the death of a biker, a coroner has said.

Grandfather Michael Howard Williams died after his motorcycle crashed with a Audi Q7 on 13 March last year.

Coroner John Gittins wrote in a report to Wrexham council the view for vehicles joining the A525 from Green Lane was blocked by a hedge.

He said if visibility was not improved or the road altered there could be further fatal crashes on the road.

The accident happened just before 12:40 GMT near Holly Bush, between Bangor-on-Dee and Whitchurch.

• Wrexham A525 motorcyclist dies in crash with car

Coroner John Gittins called for action to be taken to improve the view for drivers joining the A525 from Green Lane

Mr Williams, from Chirk, Wrexham county, was 56 when he was killed.

At the time, his family said they were in "total shock and disbelief and never expected that we would lose him so soon".

"He was a caring and loving father to Georgia, Damien and Tanya and a fantastic grandad to his six grandchildren," they added.

"Motorbikes were his passion as well as shooting and fishing.

"He was a hard-working man who would do anything for his family. We shall miss him so much."

North Wales Police said the Audi driver was spoken to and no arrests were made.

In a prevention of future deaths report, Mr Gittins said: "The evidence at inquest, supported by a site visit by me to the scene, indicated that the view for vehicles joining the A525 at this location from Green Lane is obstructed as to traffic approaching from the Wrexham direction as a result of the hedge which abuts the highway at this point.

"Unless action is taken to improve visibility or to alter the road layout, then there is an ongoing risk that further collisions will occur and that lives may be lost as a result."