Colette Hughes
PFD Report
All Responded
Ref: 2015-0246
All 1 response received
· Deadline: 25 Aug 2015
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
An easily accessible wall, despite meeting regulations, has been the site of multiple deaths and poses a danger, particularly to impaired individuals. Physical modifications may be necessary to prevent future fatalities.
View full coroner's concerns
_ The wall is easy to access and at least two previous deaths have occurred in similar circumstances since 2006. Whilst recognising that barriers cannot be provided at every location above ground, and the fact that the building complies with regulations there is a concern that others may die in the same manner: There is also a concern that the wall presents a danger to those who may decide to use it as a seating area, particularly after taking drink or drugs. In the absence of some physical modifications, the notices advising visitors of the services of the Samaritans recently installed may be sufficient:
Responses
Action Taken
Hammerson PLC is making access to the parapet walls of the car park more difficult with 'hostile planting', installing similar planting on lower level walls and installing vehicle stopping barriers along the floor adjacent to the walls. They are also exploring the feasibility of raising the height of the parapet walls. (AI summary)
Hammerson PLC is making access to the parapet walls of the car park more difficult with 'hostile planting', installing similar planting on lower level walls and installing vehicle stopping barriers along the floor adjacent to the walls. They are also exploring the feasibility of raising the height of the parapet walls. (AI summary)
View full response
Hammerson plc hammerson.com Kings Place 90 York Way +44 (0120 7887 1000 London, NI QGE 1 ~U SCC_j" 09 SEP 2015 In the South London Coroner'$ Court RECEIVED Inquest touching the death of COLETTE HUGHES Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths RESPONSE OF HAMMERSON PLC 1 . Following the conclusion of the Inquest into the death of Colette Hughes, and pursuant to the provisions of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 _ Schedule 5, Paragraph and the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013, Regulations 28 and 29 the Senior Coroner issued Report to Prevent Future Deaths to Hammerson plc dated 30th June 2015.
2. This is the response to that Report on behalf of Hammerson plc. 3 In relation to the level of the Centrale public car park we have identified the following measures that can be taken in response to the concerns of the Senior Coroner:-
3.1 _ are making access to the parapet walls to the corner of the car park which Colette Hughes fell (Level 3) more difficult with 'hostile planting' being introduced which in particular will assist in preventing access. For an example of how hostile planting is introduced see Appendix A
3.2. Generally to prevent the lower (less than 8m) level walls on levels 3 and 3A (rooftop level) which are under 1,.8m in height potentially being used by members of the public to lever themselves Up onto the perimeter we are installing similar hostile planting which will prevent access in those areas where the potential fall distance is over 5 metres i.e. beyond the next car level:
3.3. In order to prevent cars from parking close to any lower level parapet walls we are installing vehicle stopping barriers along the floor adjacent to the walls in the relevant locations. This will prevent cars being used as & step up to perimeter wall by members of the public (Appendix A). ~4"d 0 ,' J|V!Wu} |dtm |11 60;[ ~nht 400" " '"t ;01h4 27 A001 top We from ledge, park ' K " 5"0
Hammerson plc hammerson.com Place, 90 York +44 (0120 7887 1000 London, NI %GE 1 These measures will be completed by 30/h September 2015 5, Following receipt of the Report we commissioned structural engineers to advise on the feasibility of raising the height of the parapet walls on levels 3 and 3A_ Their report (received on 14ih August 2015) in summary advised how this could be achieved but would involve regulatory planning and building regulations approval. This is currently being explored. The measures set out in paragraph been submitted to the enforcing authority for health and safety at the Borough of Croydon who will be revisiting the Centre at the end of September 2015. for and on behalf of Hammerson plc 20mh August 2015 ~CGiv - -| 5"]"-/o. Vo d E Way; Kings have ~r
Appendix A Hoslile planiing fixed vehicle stops Key Key
2. This is the response to that Report on behalf of Hammerson plc. 3 In relation to the level of the Centrale public car park we have identified the following measures that can be taken in response to the concerns of the Senior Coroner:-
3.1 _ are making access to the parapet walls to the corner of the car park which Colette Hughes fell (Level 3) more difficult with 'hostile planting' being introduced which in particular will assist in preventing access. For an example of how hostile planting is introduced see Appendix A
3.2. Generally to prevent the lower (less than 8m) level walls on levels 3 and 3A (rooftop level) which are under 1,.8m in height potentially being used by members of the public to lever themselves Up onto the perimeter we are installing similar hostile planting which will prevent access in those areas where the potential fall distance is over 5 metres i.e. beyond the next car level:
3.3. In order to prevent cars from parking close to any lower level parapet walls we are installing vehicle stopping barriers along the floor adjacent to the walls in the relevant locations. This will prevent cars being used as & step up to perimeter wall by members of the public (Appendix A). ~4"d 0 ,' J|V!Wu} |dtm |11 60;[ ~nht 400" " '"t ;01h4 27 A001 top We from ledge, park ' K " 5"0
Hammerson plc hammerson.com Place, 90 York +44 (0120 7887 1000 London, NI %GE 1 These measures will be completed by 30/h September 2015 5, Following receipt of the Report we commissioned structural engineers to advise on the feasibility of raising the height of the parapet walls on levels 3 and 3A_ Their report (received on 14ih August 2015) in summary advised how this could be achieved but would involve regulatory planning and building regulations approval. This is currently being explored. The measures set out in paragraph been submitted to the enforcing authority for health and safety at the Borough of Croydon who will be revisiting the Centre at the end of September 2015. for and on behalf of Hammerson plc 20mh August 2015 ~CGiv - -| 5"]"-/o. Vo d E Way; Kings have ~r
Appendix A Hoslile planiing fixed vehicle stops Key Key
Sent To
- Hammerson Plc
Response Status
Linked responses
1 of 1
56-Day Deadline
25 Aug 2015
All responses received
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 7th July 2014 commenced an investigation into the death of Colette Hughes (50). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on May 2015. conclusion of the inquest was that she had committed suicide, and that she died of multiple injuries sustained on 7h July 2014 when at about 4.30 p.m. she jumped from the top storey of the multi-storey car park at Centrale Shopping Centre in Croydon: She had been suffering from an undiagnosed psychiatric condition:
Circumstances of the Death
Mrs Hughes spent some time sitting on the flat and wide perimeter wall surrounding the level of the multi storey car at Centrale Shopping Centre, before standing on it and jumping to her death:
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths believe your organisation has the power to take such action:
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.