Stafford's Isabel Trail to partially reopen more than a week after tree fall death
A footpath has been partially reopened more than a week after the death of a man who was struck by a fallen tree.
The Isabel Trail off Eccleshall Road, in Stafford, had been closed since Neville Scattergood died on October 3.
Mr Scattergood, 58, from Stafford, was found in cardiac arrest but died at the scene near Eccleshall Road Cemetery.
Staffordshire County Council took the decision to close the footpath as an investigation was launched into how the tree fell.
But the authority has confirmed, following a safety inspection, part of the Isabel Trail would reopen today.
The section of the trail, between the Range store and the town centre, will be reopened this afternoon.
The rest of the trail, including the section running by the side of the cemetery, will remain closed until further notice, a Staffordshire County Council spokesman confirmed.
The Isabel Trail Parkrun tomorrow has been cancelled.
Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "The Highways inspection team has been on site and it has been decided that we can reopen this section of the trail to the public.
“Further inspections are continuing and we will open the rest of the trail when we are satisfied it is safe to do so.
"All our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Mr Scattergood for their tragic loss.”
Meanwhile a fundraising page set up by friends and family to help Mr Scattergood's wife Diane has hit its target of £3,000.
To donate to the fundraising page visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nevs-funeral-costs.
