A FORMER neighbour of the Cwmbran man who died in the horrific Bath crash has paid tribute to him, saying he knew he would go far in life.

The man was named yesterday as 59-year-old Robert Parker, a manager with energy company Western Power Distribution, and was based at Avonbank in Bristol.

Brian Pritchard, 81, was one of Mr Parker’s neighbours at his childhood home at Farm Lane in Cwmbran.

He said: “We were at number two and the Parkers were at number seven or eight. We were neighbours for many years.

“He was a very good, quiet boy, who was well spoken and well mannered.

“My son, Wayne, and Robert were good friends, but they went their separate ways at 18 or 19. They were always up to mischief.”

He added: “Robert took an apprenticeship with SWEB [South Western Electricity Board] when he left Croesyceiliog School and went on from there. He’s been with Western Power ever since.

“We knew he was someone who would go forward in life.

“He was probably thinking about his retirement and all of a sudden, it’s gone. It had to be someone, but we hoped it was not him.”

The wife of a Swansea man who also died in Bath truck crash has paid tribute to him.

Stephen Vaughan, 34, died at the scene of the collision in Lansdown Lane.

“Steve was infectious; when he smiled, the whole room would smile. Myself, Steve's parents and family are very proud of the man he was, a true gentleman and we were so privileged to have been a part of his life.  We are devastated that he was taken away from us so soon.

“We had only been married six months and I was honoured that he chose me to be his wife. Steve was dedicated to his family and his business which made him a well-respected business man.
Even though we are going through our loss, our hearts go out to all the other families that have lost loved ones and would like to thank the emergency services and the local community for everything that they have done for us at this sad time.”

The family asked for privacy at this difficult time.