Motorbike tragedy (From Barry And District News)

Motorbike tragedy

A RHOOSE biker has been killed after colliding with a tree on a notorious stretch of road near Abergavenny.

Forty-two-year-old Andrew Robert Pritchard was riding a new Suzuki 1300cc GSX, on the A40 between Abergavenny and Raglan at around 1.35pm on Sunday, June 13, when he crashed through a fence after failing to negotiate a sharp bend.

A police spokesman said Mr Pritchard was riding with friends who tried to resuscitate the motorcyclist at the scene.

South Wales fire service crews from Abergavenny and Ebbw Vale stations attended.

The victim, who was flung into a hedge, was taken to Nevill Hall hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Gwent Police shut the road for several hours after the accident.

Beverley Canning, landlady of the nearby Clytha Arms pub, said: "I'm a biker myself and I know that it is a really nasty bend to take.

"I think it was made worse several years ago when a cycle lane was painted on the road."

She added: "The man is not the first person who has lost it on the bend and I think there should be some warning signs just before to make anyone unfamiliar with the road aware of the danger."

Inspector Mark Riley of Gwent police said that a collision investigation team was continuing work to establish the cause of the accident.

Howard Salmon of Abergavenny Police added: "Over the years we have seen a number of nasty accidents on that particular stretch of road. It is well known as a notorious accident blackspot in the Gwent area. You really have to keep your speed down when travelling along there.

"I am saddened to hear that it has claimed another life. My condolences go to the family and friends of the victim."