THE death of a family pet hit by a car has prompted its owner to call for traffic-calming measures in a busy Wirral street.

Paula Clay decided enough was enough after Poppy the cat was run over and killed by a speeding car near the family home in St Nicholas Road, Wallasey Village on December 14.

She told the Globe that traffic-calming measures are long overdue, fearing it is only a matter of time before a child is run down and killed.

Paula added that the council has been asked to tackle the problem of speeding cars in St Nicholas Road on several occasions, but so far nothing has been done.

Her campaign is backed by Wallasey Conservative councillor Leah Fraser, who will hand the petition in during a meeting of Wirral's full council later this month.

Cllr Stuart Whittingham, cabinet member for member for transport, technology strategy and Infrastructure said the authority would consider any requests for safey measures. 

Paula told the Globe: "Poppy's death was the final straw, so I've decided to do something about it.

"We've always felt the road was a risk as it used as a cut through from people wanting to avoid traffic congestion at the junction of nearby Leasowe Road.

"There have a been an awful lot of complaints in recent months about cars speeding down along the road. But nothing is been done.

"The road is lined on both sides with parked cars with space for only a single car to pass up the centre.

"There are times when you open your car door and are almost hit by vehicles shooting past."

The road is used by people walking their children to nearby Greenleas Primary school.

Paula continued: "I take my six-year-old daughter to and from school, on foot, daily.

"We have no option but to cross between parked cars and I have always feared a child could be knocked down due to the speed that cars often pass through.

"Enough is enough. Traffic calming measures are definitely needed."

Cllr Fraser said: "Residents have reported a number of near misses. Sadly, this time a cat was killed.

"Next time, it could be child or elderly person who is unable to move quickly.

"There are two local primary schools nearby.

"If the council is a keen to promote safer roads as they say they are, they might want to look at this situation quickly.

"Previous requests have been made to make this road safe."

Cllr Whittingham said: "St Nicholas Road has a relatively good safety record compared to many other locations, which is why a request for traffic calming measures was rejected 18 months ago.

"However, we are happy to review this again if the resident wishes to request them again.

"Clearly, resources are limited and we have to prioritise interventions to improve road safety.

"An alternative way forward could be for concerned residents to join the Community Speedwatch initiative in this area.

"Community Speedwatch allows residents concerned about speeding in their local area to monitor the speed of motorists using radar guns.

"The scheme aims to tackle areas where the dangers of careless driving and speeding are a real concern to local people.

"Speeding motorists are sent warning letters from the police, which also explain the problems their speeding causes for people living in the area.

“The presence of Speedwatch volunteers can encourage drivers to slow down, raise their awareness of speed as an issue and make the location safer."