Future deaths will occur if warning signs are not placed at a road junction near Stithians where a 14-year-old cyclist died, a Truro coroner has warned.

The stark warning came in a report from assistant coroner Mr Stephen Covell sent to Cormac, the Cornwall Council contractor responsible for roads throughout the county.

The report concerns the tragic death of Caitlin Ann Swan from Truro who died after colliding with the back of a van as she was coming down Tubbon Hill on her bike between Stithians and the junction with the A393 to Ponsanooth on December 28, 2019.

An inquest into her death on February 17 heard that a vehicle travelling in front of her down the hill had to slow down to walking pace to negotiate an acute turn into Trebost Lane off to the left. Caitlin lost control of her bike as she attempted to slow down behind the van. She collided with the rear of it and fell into the path of an oncoming vehicle sustaining catastrophic head and neck injuries. The inquest concluded her death was an accident.

Falmouth Packet:

The 'acute' left hand turn to Pencoose. Picture Google Maps

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However, writing to Cormac, which is owned by Cornwall Council, assistant coroner Mr Stephen Covell said that during the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.

"In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken," he said. "In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you."

He added: "There are no signs on Tubbon Hill to warn road users of the junction with Trebost Lane, notwithstanding that the junction is only visible between 75 and 50 metres away for a road user descending the hill and that any vehicles negotiating the acute left turn into Trebost Lane are likely to be almost stationary in the road at some point.

Falmouth Packet:

The junction is hidden as you approach the acute left hand turn on the right hand bend. Picture Google Maps

"In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.

Cormac have 56 days to respond to the report taking them up until June 26.

Cornwall Council have been contacted for a comment.