by Dan Bloom

A parish councillor has called for reducing the speed limit on a dangerous stretch of road after it saw a second fatal crash in just three months.

A biker died at the scene of the rush-hour smash on the A28 Hastings Road, near Rolvenden, last Tuesday.

But police only released his details today.

Headcorn man John Blackman, 49, was riding a silver Suzuki GSXR 1300 when it collided with a blue Fiat Panda at 6.18pm.

The driver of the Fiat Panda was uninjured and the road was closed until after midnight.

Police are investigating and would give no details of how the crash occurred.

Mr Blackman's family paid tribute to him this week, saying: "John was a dearly loved son and brother, with a larger-than-life personality, who will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Now parish councillor Ed Hoad has renewed calls for a 50mph limit on the danger stretch.

The speed limit is 60mph but many say this does not go far enough.

His call comes after 50-year-old Miriam Phillips, of Ewhurst Lane, Northiam, died in February as she drove her son to work.

Her silver Vauxhall Vectra hit a lorry carrying 7,000 chickens near the World of Water store, a few hundred feet from last week's crash.

Cllr Hoad said: "The parish council have asked for something to be done in the past.

"We think there should be crash barriers and a 50mph limit as you approach Rolvenden from the Hastings side.

"It's a dangerous corner and a fast corner, and there have been loads of crashes in the past."

Witnesses to last week's crash should contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798 538.