Northamptonshire pub boss speaks out after young motorcyclist tragically dies on notorious road outside of premises

The owner of a busy pub in Northamptonshire has spoken out following a fatal motorcycle crash on a busy road just outside the premises.

A man in his 20s tragically died on the A5 outside The Narrow Boat pub in Weedon on Sunday morning (September 10) at around 10.20am.

In a heartfelt message to the community, The Narrow Boat operator has addressed concerns with the stretch of road outside the pub.

The pub boss said on social media: “The tragic accident that occurred on the A5 yesterday is heart breaking for all involved. All of us at The Narrow Boat send our condolences to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life…and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was involved.

"I want to make everyone aware of what we're already doing to try to alleviate the issues around the location of the pub.

“We have, and always have since I took on the lease, asked the delivery companies to park their vans and lorries in the car park. We won't be accepting deliveries unless their vehicles are parked safely.

“I have spoken to Wells & Co [pub owners] about the car park entrance and am waiting to hear their thoughts. I would appreciate any thoughts on how it can be made safer.

“No team members park in front of the pub anymore. This land does not belong to the pub so we cannot stop people parking there…but I have ordered signs asking people to park mindfully in respect of the junction.

“I have reported the vans parked on the canal bridge to the Highways Agency and urge anyone reading this to do the same. We have seen push chairs, young children and dogs being led onto the carriageway of the A5 to get around these vehicles, as they leave no pavement space.

“I have also spoken to the police and highways about a reduction in the speed limit around the junction, mirrors for extra visibility, and speed cameras.

“If there is anything else any one would like to raise with me, I am happy to receive any feedback. Please pop in and speak to me.”

Weedon Bec Parish Council Chair, Tony Crease, said the road has been ‘cause for concern for a number of years’.

Mr Crease said: “This stretch of the A5 has been a cause for concern for a number of years and the parish council has made a number of requests and suggestions to try to make the area safer. The A5 is the responsibility of Highways England, which says it does not consider it necessary to alter the road layout or the speed limit.

“Sadly there has been another fatal accident in this area on Sunday and a young life has been lost, our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends.

“The parish council will again make contact with Highways England to request urgent changes to the road layout.”

A National Highways spokesperson said: “We offer our condolences to those involved in Sunday’s incident. As investigations into the incident are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”