THE company behind Pontins is facing a corporate manslaughter charge after a former Ross-on-Wye woman was killed when a ceiling collapsed on her at the Brean Sands resort in 2019.

Grandmother Wendy Jones was one of six people taken to hospital following the incident in February 2019. She died six months later from her injuries in August, aged 68.

A 40-metre section of structural ducting and ceiling fell inside an entertainment area, injuring 18 people in February 2019.

Mrs Jones’ funeral Service was held at Ross on Wye Baptist Church in September 2019 and she was later interned at Tretire Church.

Mrs Jones is said to have done a lot for the Ross community before moving to Hereford. She was the chairwoman of the Herefordshire Housing Board and worked at the Herefordshire Tenants Federation Office.

Avon and Somerset Police, together with Somerset Council, investigated and referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service last year.

The force said the CPS had authorised a charge of corporate manslaughter against Pontins’ parent company, Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd.

Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of Mrs Jones. We have updated them of the CPS’s charging decisions.

“This has been a complex investigation and we’re grateful for the support of Somerset Council and other partners to reach this stage.

“We would like to remind the public that every defendant in the UK is permitted to a fair trial. No commentary, materials or details should be published that could prejudice this court process while proceedings are ongoing.”

At the time of the incident Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that approximately 40 metres of structural ducting and ceiling sections had fallen.

The case will initially be heard at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on May 6.