Family pays tribute to crash victim Ben Houghton

The family of a man killed in a road smash in Staffordshire have paid tribute to a "much loved son and brother".

Ben Houghton, aged 25, died after his black Honda Civic left the road last Saturday.

The crash happened in Old Landywood Lane, between Cheslyn Hay and Essington at around 1.30pm.

It is understood Mr Houghton, who lived in The Nook, Cheslyn Hay, had left his vehicle in Wolverhampton after a trip to the cinema on Friday evening and was returning home.

In a statement released today, his parents paid tribute.

They said: "With the sudden and untimely loss of our beloved son, Ben, we would like to thank all family and friends for their support and kindness shown to us during this very sad time. Ben was a much loved son and brother and will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and work colleagues. We will announce details of funeral arrangements shortly."

An ambulance rapid response vehicle was sent to the scene. Mr Houghton was in cardiac arrest and was given CPR by the paramedics but they could not revive him.

Staffordshire Police have appealed for any witnesses to the accident to come forward.

They are also seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the movements of the Honda leading up to the accident.

Anyone who can help should contact senior investigating officer Sgt Mick Scott or PC Pete Lamb on 0300 123 4455 quoting incident 481 of November 20. County councillor for the village Mike Lawrence said he used the road regularly and did not believe there were any major safety concerns.

"The county council as highways authority will review the safety on Old Landywood Lane if the police recommend it," he added.

Cheslyn Hay Parish Council chairman Councillor Bob Denson said there had been previous accidents on the road, a busy commuter route, which was within neighbouring Great Wyrley Parish Council's area.

"It is used by villagers as a route into the conurbation and during the rush hour traffic is quite often at a standstill, but outside those times it can be dangerous. The main problem there is when it is foggy or icy."

He said it was likely the parish council would be discussing whether any safety measures could be introduced.