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Compensation for cyclists' deaths Compensation for cyclists' deaths
(about 3 hours later)
The families of four members of Rhyl Cycling Club killed in a road accident near Abergele may be compensated, a coroner has revealed.The families of four members of Rhyl Cycling Club killed in a road accident near Abergele may be compensated, a coroner has revealed.
Thomas Harland, 14, Maurice Broadbent, 61, Dave Horrocks, 55, and Wayne Wilkes, 42, died on 8 January 2006.Thomas Harland, 14, Maurice Broadbent, 61, Dave Horrocks, 55, and Wayne Wilkes, 42, died on 8 January 2006.
Coroner John Hughes, at Flint, said insurers for Conwy Council and the driver of the vehicle which collided with them had admitted civil liability. Insurers for Conwy Council and the driver of the vehicle involved made admissions of civil liability.
The families could now claim from the council's and the driver's insurers. However in a statement Conwy Council said it did not admit "liability or apportionment of blame".
According to the Coroner for north east Wales, John Hughes, the families could now claim from the council's and the driver's insurers.
Sue Bence, the solicitor acting for the families, welcomed the news but said there was no plan for any civil action in the courts at this stage.Sue Bence, the solicitor acting for the families, welcomed the news but said there was no plan for any civil action in the courts at this stage.
She said the inquests were the families' top priority.She said the inquests were the families' top priority.
A statement issued by the council on Thursday said it had "agreed to contribute, in conjunction with the driver's insurers, to the claims to obviate any further distress, suffering and cost to the families associated with the pursuit of legal redress. "
It added the agreement was "without any admission of liability or apportionment of blame as far as the council was concerned".
Defective tyresDefective tyres
Robert Allen Harries, from Abergele, was last year fined £180 and £35 costs and received six points on his licence for having defective tyres.Robert Allen Harries, from Abergele, was last year fined £180 and £35 costs and received six points on his licence for having defective tyres.
However, the court heard the defects were not to blame for the accident.However, the court heard the defects were not to blame for the accident.
At a preliminary hearing on Thursday, coroner for north east Wales Mr Hughes, said inquests into the deaths would be held on 4 June at Abergele Town Hall. At a preliminary hearing in Flint, Mr Hughes, said inquests into the deaths would be held on 4 June at Abergele Town Hall.
The inquests, before a jury, are expected to last four to six weeks.The inquests, before a jury, are expected to last four to six weeks.
Mr Hughes has previously criticised delays which have prevented him setting a date for the inquests.Mr Hughes has previously criticised delays which have prevented him setting a date for the inquests.
The cyclists died on the A547 Rhuddlan Road, near Abergele, at the beginning of a 60-mile (97km) club training ride.The cyclists died on the A547 Rhuddlan Road, near Abergele, at the beginning of a 60-mile (97km) club training ride.
Mr Harries, 47, lost control after skidding on black ice and collided with the group of 12 cyclists.Mr Harries, 47, lost control after skidding on black ice and collided with the group of 12 cyclists.