Willingham: Council staff praised after stopping at car crash

Two West Lindsey District Council employees have been praised after stopping to help at the scene of a car accident.
Dave Bassett, left and Martin Wilkinson, who stopped to help at the scene of a recent accident near Willingham.Dave Bassett, left and Martin Wilkinson, who stopped to help at the scene of a recent accident near Willingham.
Dave Bassett, left and Martin Wilkinson, who stopped to help at the scene of a recent accident near Willingham.

Waste operatives Martin Wilkinson and Dave Bassett were travelling from Willingham by Stow to Sturton by Stow around 8.30am on Tuesday, September 1, when they came across a car on its roof on the B1241 between Willingham by Stow and Sturton by Stow, in the ditch on a section of the road known as the ‘Willingham bends’.

Dave and Martin pulled over to assist a gentleman already at the scene to help get the driver out of the vehicle and put her in the recovery position.

Dave said: “The driver was a young lady and there were no obvious injuries to treat. The lady was shaken up and very emotional, but we helped to calm her down.

“We both helped with traffic operations until the police arrived at the scene, at this point the police took control so we could return to our duties.

“We’ve not come across this kind of thing before but we didn’t hesitate to stop, we’re glad the young lady was ok.”

West Lindsey District Councillor Owen Bierley congratulated the two staff.

He said: “Their actions no doubt calmed the potentially serious situation down and this reflects on all council staff very well.

“We all hope this kind of thing never happens, but when it does that people are there to help.

“Well done to both Dave and Martin for their fast thinking.”

Ady Selby, Team Manager Operations at West Lindsey District Council said: “As our crews are frequently out across the district earlier than most, there are occasions where situations will occur when going above the line of duty is called for.

“I’m proud to hear of my staff acting in such an admirable and helpful way.

“We wish the young lady the very best and a swift recovery.”