THE family of a pedestrian who was killed in a road accident vowed yesterday to find out why the junction where he died was in darkness, despite roadworks being there at the time.

Bricklayer Geoffrey Lishman, 46, of Millfield Road, Fishburn, was in collision with a car when he crossed a road at Sedgefield on his way back from a pub last October.

An inquest hearing at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court was told yesterday that car driver Alan Bancroft, of Pentland Close, Peterlee, had not seen Mr Lishman until he stepped out in front of him to cross the road.

A new roundabout was being built at the junction of the B1278 and Salters Lane because Miller Homes was building an estate nearby.

But the hearing was told that none of the lights in the area were switched on, even though they were working the next day.

Mr Lishman died from head injuries nine days after the accident.

Blood tests showed he was nearly three times over the legal limit for driving, but a friend, Ian Mellentin, told the hearing that he had appeared sober and completely in control 30 minutes before the tragedy.

David Blackett, senior professional lighting engineer for Durham County Council, said Lumsden and Carroll, who were building the roundabout, were totally responsible for lighting the site area.

He said: "It is apparent from the lack of street lighting that they have not complied with the contract."

Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Lishman's former wife, Maureen Bell, said: "We are determined to find out who was responsible. He was on the road because he couldn't see anywhere to walk. We won't let this go."