Blackpool tram driver summonsed over pedestrian death

A tram driver has been summonsed to appear in court charged with causing the death of a pedestrian in Blackpool.

Maureen Foxwell, 70, of Trinant, Caerphilly county, was on holiday with her husband when she was struck by a tram near the Norbreck stop last year.

The decision to charge driver Paul Edensor follows a report into the incident by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

The 36-year-old will appear at Blackpool Magistrates' Court on 8 July.

Mrs Foxwell, who had been in the resort celebrating her birthday, suffered multiple injuries when she was struck on 5 August 2009.

She was initially taken to a local hospital but later moved to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, to be closer to her family. She died on 12 September 2009.

On Wednesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was sufficient evidence to charge the driver, and that it was in the public interest.

Mr Edensor is accused of causing death by driving without due care and attention.

"Summonses have been obtained from Blackpool Magistrates' Court and will now be served on Paul Edensor," said a CPS spokeswoman.

"Mrs Foxwell's family have been informed of the CPS decision."