A preventable tragedy in Mobberley, Cheshire
On 3 October 2022, gardener Blair Edward Campbell (35) suffered a fatal electric shock while pruning an ivy-covered hedge at a private property in Mobberley, Cheshire. He accidentally cut into a wire connected to a pole-mounted substation. He was airlifted to hospital but could not be saved.
Campbell ran his own landscaping business, Blue Kiwi Gardens and Maintenance, and was married with two young children.
The inquest findings
A jury inquest was held at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, Warrington, between 21 and 23 October 2024. The jury concluded that Campbell died from electrocution.
Evidence presented included:
- Dense ivy had obscured electrical warning signs on the substation pole.
- There had been multiple prior reports requesting removal of the ivy, which had not been actioned.
- The obstruction meant the live electrical hazard was not visible to someone working nearby.
Following the incident, SP Energy Networks (SPEN), responsible for the substation, confirmed that the ivy has since been cleared and that it had amended its health and safety policy.
Legal and regulatory position
- The incident was reported to Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
- As of October 2025, no specific HSE prosecution or enforcement statement has been published in the public domain regarding this case.
- Campbell’s widow is pursuing a civil claim against SPEN. If unresolved, the case could proceed to court in late 2026.
Health and safety lessons
This case underscores critical lessons for those working near electrical equipment:
1. Risk assessments
Before undertaking work such as hedge trimming, identify potential electrical risks in the environment. This includes overhead lines, substations, and buried cables.
2. Visibility of warning signage
Electrical assets should have clearly visible warning signs. Vegetation such as ivy must be controlled so that signs remain unobstructed.
3. Isolation and control
Where work is carried out close to electrical installations, power should be isolated if possible, and access controlled.
4. Reporting hazards
Repeated reports had been made about the ivy on the Mobberley substation. Acting promptly on hazard reports can be the difference between safety and tragedy.
5. HSE guidance
The HSE’s official guidance on “Work near electricity” stresses:
- Plan the job with electricity in mind.
- Locate, identify, and mark live services.
- Isolate and lock off where feasible.
- Maintain safe distances from live equipment.
- Ensure warning signs remain visible and are not obscured.
Why this matters
Electricity is an ever-present hazard in outdoor environments. The death of Blair Campbell demonstrates how hidden risks—such as obscured signage—can have fatal consequences.
By learning from this tragedy, property owners, contractors, and utility operators can strengthen their approach to risk management, vegetation control, and hazard reporting—helping to ensure that no one else loses their life in similar circumstances.
Sources
- Cheshire Coroner’s Court (Warrington) listings – Inquest dates and cause of death.
- Irwin Mitchell Solicitors statement (28 Nov 2024) – Family representation, ivy obscuring signage, SPEN policy changes.
- RNZ (New Zealand media, Dec 2024) – Incident background, personal details.
- Recent UK press (Oct 2025) – Civil claim updates, potential late-2026 court date.
- HSE guidance: Work near electricity – Risk assessment and control measures.
