‘Too late for Abbie’.. but road safety work to start
Major changes atthe Loaning
The first stage of new road safety works will start at The Loaning area of Motherwell in November.
It follows the biggest roads consultation ever carried out in North Lanarkshire – and comes a year-and-a-half on from when tragic 12-year-old Abbie Mclaren died after being struck by a car there while out with friends.
In a tragic twist of fate Abbie’s dad, John Mclaren, was a passenger in the vehicle that was being driven by his cousin, Martin Mcguire, of Hamilton.
Driver Mcguire, 38, admitted to death by dangerous driving, having no licence or insurance and driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone when he struck Abbie on February 12 last year.
In June 2019, at the High Court in Edinburgh he was sentenced to five years in jail.
Now, after thousands of locals signed a petition calling for safer road measures at the spot, the first stage works will be carried out between Logans Road and Dechmont Avenue, and include:
■ Installation of a mini roundabout at the junction with Logans Road;
■ A puffin crossing outside the shops;
■ Widening of the footway on the east side of the road;
■ New street lighting and a pedestrian barrier; and
■ Road and pathway resurfacing.
Since the original plans were drawn up earlier this year the council has been discussing the details of the works with directly-affected residents and businesses.
“We have listened to the people who live and work in The Loaning, and our plans reflect their desire for a safer road crossing and measures to reduce vehicle speed,” said Councillor Paul Kelly, Depute Council Leader.
“In this first stage of work, we are pleased to be delivering the road safety improvements that were promised t o t h e l o c a l community as well as enhancements to the general env i ronment with upgrades to footpaths, roads and lighting.
“I n the new year, we will move on the e Stage 2 works at the Ailsa a Family Learning Centre. . We continue to develop p detailed plans for Stages 3 and 4, which will address s community road safety y concerns along the length h of The Loaning.
“I would like to thank k everyone who has taken n part in our consultations and d engaged with us to ensure e the improvements meet the e needs of local residents and d make it safer for everyone.”
Earlier this year Abbie’s s h e a r t b r o k e n mum m Ashley Kennedy said d she was “happy too hear r improvements are to be made”, but said it was “too little, too late” for her daughter.
She told the Advertiser: “I’m glad to hear that the
council are prepared to make changes to that stretch of road, but at the same time it is a little bittersweet for me and my family. We lost Abbie there so it’s too little, too late for my daughter, but if it helps save another child’s life then I’m obviously happy.
“It’s a step in the right direction.”
It is bittersweet for me and my family.. it’s too little, too late for my daughter