Last call for people to sign South Shields road safety petition

People looking for a road in a part of South Tyneside to be made safer have only have days left to sign a petition.
Petition organiser Michelle Walters is joined by fellow Lord Blyton Primary School parents and children at the Wenlock Road crossing.Petition organiser Michelle Walters is joined by fellow Lord Blyton Primary School parents and children at the Wenlock Road crossing.
Petition organiser Michelle Walters is joined by fellow Lord Blyton Primary School parents and children at the Wenlock Road crossing.

Michelle Walters launched the call to make Wenlock Road, in Simonside, South Shields, safer after an elderly couple were injured when they were hit by a van on a crossing on December 11.

The petition, which has collected hundreds of signatures already, is calling for the safety of the road, in particular around the Metro station, to be looked at.

The issue was first raised by residents five years ago.

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However, the incident involving the couple has ignited the call from residents for something to be done.

The petition, which is being backed by the family of the couple, is in the Sainsbury’s store, in Binchester Street, for people to sign until noon on Wednesday.

Miss Walters said: “People are still adding their names to the petition, which shows the strength of feeling people have about the issue.

“There are some residents who have taken the petition to collect names of others wanting to see the road made safer.

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“But there are only a few more days left before I have to collect them all in, ready to hand into the council.

“So, if anyone would like to add their name to it, I would urge them to visit the Sainsbury’s store as soon as you can.”

The man was left fighting for his life after the couple were hit by a vehicle which failed to stop.

He was being treated at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary for serious head injuries but was later moved to South Tyneside District Hospital.

His wife was released from hospital after being treated.

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A council spokesman said: “The council will consider any petition that is sent through and the road safety team will carry out an investigation and report back.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the collision to come forward.

A Facebook page – Changes to the road needed at Wenlock Road – has been created for people to leave their comments and to find out where the petition can be signed.