Tributes paid to tragic pensioner
Reporter THE family of a woman who died in a collision earlier this week has paid tribute to a much-loved mum-ofthree.
Martha Johnson, who was 88 and from South Shields, died in a collision on Marsden Road in South Shields, on Wednesday.
Yesterday her children Colin Johnson, Steven Johnson and Alison Roach said she lived a happy independent life with her family and beloved cat Rosie.
Martha was a widow of 25 years, having been married to John Edward Johnson, known as Eddie, and lived in the family’s home in Summerhill Road for 47 years before moving to Aged Miner Homes in 2014.
Her children said the pensioner had previously led a busy life and had been a keen volunteer, working at the tea café in South Tyneside Hospital, in an Oxfam shop in the town and MIND.
She also enjoyed craftwork and delivered craft workshops at community centres and was an avid whist player.
Neighbours have told how they have been lobbying the council for more than a decade about the road and their safety fears.
Albert Tate, 71, who lives in Bulmer House, just yards from where the tragic collision happened, said: “We’ve been fighting for a crossing here for years.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a refuge or a pelican crossing or even some sort of traffic calming measure, something needed to be done.
“This is a long, fast road next to houses where a lot of elderly people and people with disabilities live and there’s a very busy shop.”
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said they have previously installed vehicle activated speed signs to help slow down traffic on Marsden Road and are looking into the possibility of zebra crossings, traffic lights and pedestrian refuges.
They added: “We are working with the police to establish exactly what happened and following the outcome of their investigation, we will look into whether any additional safety measures can be explored in this area.”
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision which happened at 5.30pm on Wednesday.
Sergeant Jason Ryder said: “I’d like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Martha, our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
“Our enquiries are continuing into the circumstances around the collision and I would ask any witnesses to please come forward and speak to us.”
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 812 300817, alternatively you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.