THE widow of Broadway fireman Frank Trowman who died in a motorcycle accident on Fish Hill in February, is calling for road improvements to prevent another tragedy.

Mr Trowman, aged 50, died when his Suzuki bike spun out of control as he negotiated a sharp left-hand bend on the hill at about 3.15pm on February 12.

Following the inquest in Tewkesbury yesterday (Wednesday), Rosemary Trowman said: "I know there are millions of black spots all over the world, but when you have one literally on your doorstep you feel you must do something to stop it happening to someone else."

As a result of the accident and another fatal crash shortly afterwards, new signs are to be installed warning of sharp bends.

The inquest heard Mr Trowman had been thrown from the bike as he climbed the hill and cartwheeled across the road before being hit by a car going the opposite way.

Grant Crain of London was travelling down Fish Hill when he said he saw a red motorcycle coming at an angle up the hill.

He told the inquest: "The rider was leaning over a lot. The only way I can describe it is if you see motorbike racing on the television and they lean on the corners so their knees touch the floor. It was like that but not quite so harsh."

The bike touched the ground and, on its side, went between Mr Crain's car and the one in front.

Mr Crain said: "After the bike passed us I saw the rider tumbling almost cartwheel-like towards us and he hit the car as we stopped."

Accident investigator PC Nigel Philips said tests showed Mr Trowman was travelling at about 35mph and he could find nothing on the road which may have caused the accident.

He said Fish Hill had been a particularly bad spot for accidents, mostly before the new bypass. Since 1997, there had been one other fatal accident and another minor accident on this particular bend.

PC Philips added: "As a result of this accident Worcestershire County Council is taking this matter very seriously. It has approached the DETR to ask for the signs to be altered and bigger ones installed.

"It is also investigating a new type of electronic sign which flashes warnings. During the autumn there will definitely be new signs there."

Mrs Trowman was concerned the road camber may have contributed to the accident but PC Philips said it sloped towards the kerb and was therefore ideal for cornering.

Mr Trowman died at the scene from head injuries despite efforts by passing doctors and paramedics.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Gloucestershire coroner Lester Maddrell said: "I will liaise with Worcestershire coroner Victor Round to see if there is anything further which can be done to try to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy."

After the inquest Mrs Trowman said: "I will never believe Frank died accidentally. He was a very experienced rider, he never took risks. Although he loved to speed he always rode within his capabilities.

"The camber of the road, I have been told, is all wrong and other accidents have happened in exactly the same place with identical marks. All we are told is there is no money to put things right so accidents carry on.

"Without the love, help support and guidance of my son Ben, family and friends and Margaret my counsellor, I wouldn't be here. Margaret has led me gently through the days and persuaded me that life does go on.

"I still take one day at a time and I am building a future and helping my son to come to terms with losing his father, a very special man, and the loss of a grandad for my grandchild to be born in a few days time.

"We will tell my grandchild what a wonderful man he was and how much we all loved Frankie Trowman."