CHESHIRE East Council is to be prosecuted over a health and safety breach after the death of a 48-year-old dad.

On August 28, 2020, Christopher Hall was found trapped under a fallen tree near to Wilmslow RUFC and The Carrs Park.

Mr Hall, who was unresponsive at the scene, sadly died following the incident.

Now, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has charged the council, and its grounds maintenance company Ansa, with breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

A spokesman for the HSE said: "A HSE prosecution is being brought against Cheshire East Council and Ansa Environmental Services Ltd following this incident.

"Cheshire East Council is accused of breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, contrary to Section 33 (1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

"Ansa Environmental Services Limited is accused of breaching Section 2 (1) and Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, both contrary to Section 33 (1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974."

A Cheshire East Council spokesman said: "The council has been notified by the HSE that prosecutions are being brought against the council and its wholly-owned company, Ansa Environmental Services Ltd.

"This follows an investigation into an incident at The Carrs, Wilmslow, on August 28, 2020, which resulted in the tragic death of Christopher Hall.

“As the legal process continues, our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Mr Hall’s family.

"As this matter is subject to legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."

Ansa also delivers the council's waste and recycling services, as well as fleet services and street cleansing functions.

Last Wednesday, Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard how an inquest was initially opened back in September 2020 due to Mr Hall's death being from ‘unnatural causes’.

The hearing into the death of Mr Hall, of Wilmslow, has now been suspended for a further six months due to ‘criminal charges being investigated’.