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Tyrese Hannah with mum Caroline, last year

THE tragic death of Tyrese Hannah was an accident waiting to happen, according to people living near the scene.

The 40 elderly people who live in Cirencester Court in Drove Road say they witness accidents on a weekly basis.

They have been campaigning for improvements to safety in the road for the last two years.

And they say seven-year-old Tyrese's death has confirmed their worst fears.

The youngster from Walcot was knocked unconscious when a car lost control and hit him in Drove Road two weeks ago today. He died later at the Great Western Hospital.

The Cirencester Court Committee have lobbied Swindon Council to incorporate traffic calming measures into the street.

The speed limit was reduced from 40mph to 30mph six years ago. The road has been hatch-marked to emphasise the bend to drivers and to make it appear narrower.

And now two illuminated flashing 30mph signs are to be installed in the road next month.

David Peaple, 69, a resident and secretary of the committee, said: "It is the sad reality that someone has died before something is done to improve safety but the dangers were there.

"In meetings with them the committee has been advised it was not seen as a priority as there have been few reported incidents and no fatalities and resources are finite.

"But there have been at least two incidents that I can remember where cars have overturned just outside our building.

"One damaged our boundary wall and had there been pedestrians on the path they wouldn't have stood a chance.

"I see the council are laying a non-skid surface but I still don't think the flashing signs go far enough."

Residents' spoke with deputy council leader Fionuala Foley about the dangers of Drove Road at a meeting in August.

In the meeting's minutes it was recorded that fatalities would have to happen before action was taken.

"I believe we should have an island to make traffic coming down the hill slow down and go round it and do away with the slip lane from Belle Vue Road," said David.

"We will continue to campaign for this road to be made safer for drivers and pedestrians in an attempt to prevent another tragedy."

Resident Margaret Byrne said: "It is so sad that this dear little boy has died. Maybe if more people had listened to us it may not have happened."

The committee are also pushing for a pedestrian crossing, signs indicating elderly people are crossing and signs to show that Chandler Close is a no through road.

They have written to Swindon Mayor Michael Barnes to alert him to their concerns.

And they have called on South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove for her support.

Mrs Snelgrove said: "I've had meetings and extensive correspondence with the council over this road. I have to walk that way to get to my office and I frequently see motorists driving too fast. Some are even driving while talking on their mobile phone.

"Traffic control experts need to work on this as a matter of urgency."

8:28am Friday 28th March 2008

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