Center Parcs has said it has taken extra steps to encourage staff to wear helmets following the death of a staff member in a freak accident three years ago.

Housekeeping supervisor Penny Bulpitt was riding a work bicycle when she was hit from behind by a maintenance worker riding an electric buggy at the company's Woburn Forest resort near Ampthill in Bedfordshire.

An inquest heard the 67-year-old grandmother was not wearing a helmet at the time.

The coroner concluded the two-day hearing earlier and a lawyer for Center Parcs said training for staff had been strengthened.

"Steps have been taken by Center Parcs to ensure staff have the proper training and resources," said barrister Laura Stephenson, speaking at the coroner's court in Ampthill.

"Consideration on increasing the frequency of training to staff about helmet wear [is being given]."

Stephenson said video training was also being reviewed to ensure staff knew the importance of wearing helmets.

The inquest heard how Bulpitt, who lived in Luton, had been riding an orange Center Parcs work bike - which had a trailer - alongside a row of accommodation lodges where members of her housekeeping team operated.

Center Parcs staff called the road "Penny Lane" in reference to a 1967 Beatles' song.

A manager told the inquest that Bulpitt, who had worked at the holiday village for about eight years, was "very popular".

Company bosses said Center Parcs had "strongly recommended" staff to wear helmets and that there were already "ample" helmets available for staff to borrow.

Managers said Bulpitt had received training and knew of the recommendation.

It is not a legal requirement to wear a helmet but is strongly encouraged by The Highway Code.

The golf buggy which hit her was being driven at about 9mph (14.5km/h).

Coroner Bina Patel heard it happened on 22 September 2023 as John Davies was turning the buggy at a junction.

"As I completed the left turn, I suddenly saw a woman on a bicycle in front of my buggy," he said, writing in his statement for the court.

"I was too close to her to have time to take evasive action, by braking or turning."

Davies, of Swift Close in Flitwick, who was 64 at the time, said he was "devastated" by the incident.

He was cleared of causing death by careless driving by a judge at Luton Crown Court earlier this year because of "insufficient evidence".

Bulpitt died in hospital the day after the crash.

Patel recorded a narrative conclusion at the inquest and said she would consider making recommendations at a later date aimed at preventing similar deaths.

Stephenson said Center Parcs was open to any other suggestions.

A Center Parcs spokesman added after the inquest: "We strongly recommend the use of helmets by both employees and guests.

"Helmets are readily available at all times, including dedicated helmets for employees if requested."

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