DUP Councillor Allan Bresland spoke out after an inquest concluded last week that two Newtownstewart motorcyclists, who were killed when their motorcycles collided with a lorry on the Strabane Road, were travelling at a "grossly excessive speed".

Colr. Bresland, a member of Strabane District Council, told the 'Journal' that although these two men died in tragic circumstances, their excessive speed was not "appropriate" for the road they were travelling on.

Anthony John Thompson and Colin John Thornton lost their lives after they collided with a lorry as they were travelling along the Strabane Road outside Newtownstewart on the 25th July 2006.

Coroner Mr Brian Sherrard heard that the lorry was exiting the Supermix Quarry, located adjacent to the Strabane bound lane, when it was turning right towards Newtownstewart.

"The lorry had almost finished its manoeuvre when the collision took place," he said. "The motorcyclists were travelling at grossly excessive speeds, perhaps as high as 136 miles per hour, and had surprised a number of motorists on the road," he said.

Both Mr Thompson and Mr Thornton died instantly at the scene from multiple injuries sustained in the collision.

Colr. Bresland said that all motorists travelling from the Strabane District to the North West 200 should take extra care and leave enough time for their journey.