Family's pain on SnowDome death anniversary

The father of a boy who died at Tamworth Snowdome said the last three years had been a "horrifying, emotional journey".

Speaking on the third anniversary of Louis Watkiss's death, Chris Watkiss said: "The pain of not being able to see him again is indescribable."

The 12-year-old, from Sutton Coldfield, died after being hurt in a collision while with friends at a tobogganing party in 2021.

Earlier this month the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) charged SnowDome Limited with breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Speaking about his son, who was a talented saxophonist, Mr Watkis added: "We hold on to our memories and photos of Louis creating precious moments with his younger brother."

Louis's parents have called for a change in the law to make helmets compulsory during similar activities.

The HSE brought its case following a joint investigation with Staffordshire Police, and it has been listed for a first hearing at Telford Magistrates' Court on 9 October.

Mr Watkiss said the family would "follow the prosecution closely".

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