Tragic death sparks calls for safety review

Tragic death sparks calls for safety review

14 December 2011

CALLS have been issued for a major review of road safety at Windmill Street in Ballynahinch following the death of a pensioner.

Mrs. Min Gibson, who lived at Grove Road, died after being struck by a lorry as she crossed the road on Tuesday afternoon of last week.

Mrs. Gibson was crossing just outside the Mace store when she was knocked down and killed by the lorry. The accident came almost a year after a man crossing the same part of Windmill Street suffered a serious leg injury after he was also struck by a lorry.

Ballynahinch councillors Mickey Coogan, Garth Craig and Walter Lyons have suggested consideration should now be given to providing safety railings outside shops at the top of Windmill Street and are keen to meet with roads officials to discuss pedestrian safety at this part of Ballynahinch.

Councillor Coogan said pedestrian safety at this part of the town is of paramount importance and that “something clearly needs to be done.”

He continued: “Some lorries have a mirror which indicates to drivers what’s directly in front of them, but these are not fitted to all heavy goods vehicles. Providing railings close to the junction of Windmill Street and High Street may help and is something worth considering.

“Given that it’s almost a year since the last serious accident at this part of the town and that there have been countless near misses involving pedestrians, something must be done to make the area safer.”

Councillor Craig, who knew Mrs. Gibson, believes safety railings similar to those outside Cafe Rossi at the bottom of High Street should be provided in Windmill Street.

“I am also concerned about the number of vehicles changing lanes in Windmill Street as they approach the junction with High Street,” he continued. “Measures to improve pedestrian safety at this busy part of Ballynahinch are an absolute priority.”

Councillor Lyons said there are “serious problems” in Windmill Street which need to be addressed, including the number of drivers who constantly change lanes and the speed they drive at.

He added: “What happened last week was a tragedy. We must all do what we can to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. There have been lots of near misses and a meeting with local roads  officials to discuss what we do is  essential. I also plan to raise  this issue with Stormont roads  minister Danny Kennedy when he visits Ballynahinch early next month.”

Police investigating last Tuesday’s fatal accident have issued an appeal for information. They want to hear from anyone who may have been in Windmill Street at the time of the accident, close to the junction with High Street.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who saw the HGV lorry involved in the accident. It is a blue Volvo with a brown container with “UCON” marked on the side.

Detectives are particularly keen to hear from the occupants of two vehicles believed to have been in front of the lorry at the traffic lights at the top of Windmill Street. Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.