Family pays tribute to A49 road crash victim

The family of a Shropshire businessman killed in a horror road smash today paid loving tribute a 'wonderful man who was both big in stature and in personality'.

Jeff Blundell, 57, from Clive, near Wem, died when his black Peugeot 307 was in collision with a DAF lorry on the A49 north of Preston Brockhurst, near Wem, shortly after 1am on Tuesday.

His sister, Carole Hawtin, described her brother as a 'kind, generous loving husband and father'.

Mr Blundell leaves a wife, Carol and two children, Phillip, 28, and Sarah, 25. Mrs Hawtin said: "Jeff was a prominent figure and businessman, qualifying as a design engineer and spent many of his former years working for BNFL at Sellafield.

"However, 15 years ago, he moved to Shrewsbury where he renovated the Four Crosses pub and restaurant at Bicton and most recently, the Fox and Hounds at Shawbury.

"He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and the world is a sadder place without him.

"The family would like to thank all those who have sent messages and cards of condolence. God bless Jeff."

Mr Blundell co-owned of the Fox and Hounds with his business partner Nigel Lee. The pair reopened the pub following a £1 million facelift in 2009, creating 24 jobs.

Alan Houlihan, landlord of the Elephant & Castle pub in Shawbury, said Mr Blundell was a 'lovely man' who would be sadly missed.

He described Mr Blundell as 'really friendly' and 'well liked' by everybody.

He added: "No-one had a bad word to say about him."

The crash, early on Tuesday morning, left the road closed between Prees Heath, near Whitchurch, and Shrewsbury for most of the day.

It took 25 firefighters about two hours to tackle the fire after the car and lorry burst into flames.

Police are continuing to investigate the collision and have renewed their appeal for witnesses to call 101.

An inquest is expected to be opened by the coroner for Mid and North Shropshire, Mr John Ellery, early next week.