Inquest demand after bus death (From Barry And District News)

Inquest demand after bus death

VALE of Glamorgan Council is calling for an immediate inquest into the death of a 12 year old schoolboy.

Stuart Cunningham died over a year ago when the bus he was travelling in crashed in Ystradowen.

But despite an extensive police investigation, which concluded no criminal charges should be brought, the exact cause of the tragedy remains a mystery.

And both Stuart's family and the local authority are still waiting for the inquest into the accident.

The Council's Director of Learning and Development, Bryan Jeffreys said: "We have been in contact with the coroner, who has indicated that he hopes to resume the inquest into the death of Stuart Cunningham-Jones early in the new year.

"He has further advised us that, as the evidence is largely from vulnerable witnesses and can be presented only at the time of the resumed inquest, that it would be unwise to discuss other issues until the inquest has been completed."

Mr Jeffreys stressed that while waiting for the hearing, the council has taken a number of steps to work with the school and the broader community to ensure that no tragedy of this kind occurs again.

In the aftermath of the accident, the council quickly made alternative transport provision for pupils from Ystradowen by providing a separate, single decker bus for those pupils entitled to free transport. This service continues to operate and has been well received by parents.

Mr Jeffreys added: "We have undertaken a survey of parents' views on school transport in Ystradowen and have identified individuals who are prepared to work with the Council on alternatives once any inquest conclusions are known.

"Further, we have reissued guidance to parents and schools on school transport arrangements, provided bus safety training for primary and secondary school pupils and reviewed monitoring arrangements."

On December 4, the first anniversary of the accident, Stuart was remembered in school assemblies at Cowbridge Comprehensive School.