A MOTHER who has spent 23 years campaigning for traffic lights at a dangerous junction in Neston after the death of her son has moved a step closer with the backing of council officials.

Pauline Fielding, from Heswall, wants to see the lights placed at the junction of Raby Park Road and the A540 Chester High Road, the same location where her son Andrew lost his life in 1994.

Andrew was driving along Chester High Road when he was forced to swerve his Vauxhall Astra to avoid a volvo which cut across his path at the junction of Raby Park Road.

As he swerved, the 18-year-old’s vehicle hit a car travelling behind.

He died instantly.

The driver of the other car involved has never been traced.

Wirral Globe:

Andrew Fielding

In November Neston Town Council heard about the dangers of the junction from Pauline and have also received a report from Councillor Ceri Lloyd and letters from two residents suggesting the need for an overhaul at the junction.

Cllr Lloyd said: “Pauline Fielding’s heroic work to ensure that no more families have to experience the grief that she and her family have endured since 1994 is an example to us all.

“Neston Town Council has signalled its support for her campaign, and I urge residents of the borough to sign the petition before it is presented to Cheshire West and Chester Council on December 14.

“The A540 is a vital link to the town and it is essential that it is made as safe as possible for all road users as a matter of urgency.”

The Town Council has now asked Cheshire West and Chester Council to undertake major improvements to install linked lights at the junction.

Pauline said: “I have been campaigning for 23 years since my son Andrew was killed in a crash caused by a driver who did not stay at the scene and who was never traced.

“I am extremely grateful for the support of so many people over the years, including that of members of the public, Justin Madders, M.P., Neston Town Council and the Trustees of Neston High School, which is sited a short distance from the junction.

“Incredibly, 23 years after Andrew died, the junction remains unimproved – and has become increasingly dangerous.

“I call on Cheshire West and Chester Council to ensure that adequate improvements are made to the junction such as linked traffic lights that will help to prevent further death and injury.”

Wirral Globe:

Junction of the A540 and Raby Park Road during the morning rush hour

Independent Cheshire West and Chester councillor for Parkgate Martin Barker will take a question to the Full Council meeting in Winsford on December 14.

Cllr Barker said: “I welcome the proposal by Cheshire West and Chester Council for limited improvements to the Raby Park Road junction.

“But if we are to make this important road safer and better for its users, a more comprehensive scheme is needed that coordinates the traffic lights at all the junctions to Neston and Parkgate from the A540.

“This has become increasingly important because of the redeveloped High School, the enlarged distribution warehouse, and the additional housing planned at Hinderton Hall.

“We need to look ahead at the future pressures on this road as well as reflecting on the experiences of the past, such as those of the Fielding family, which demand an effective response.”