A MUM from Colne has welcomed plans that will see raised priority given to the area where she and her son were knocked down.
Emma Matthews (31) and her little boy Leighton (10) were involved in a serious road traffic incident back in July.
The pair were walking to Park Primary School, where Leighton is a pupil, when they were struck by a car. They were crossing Skipton Road, close to the junction with Russell Avenue at the time.
Emma, a deli assistant at Sainsbury’s, suffered a fractured pelvis and a fractured spine, and Leighton, a fan of trampolining, was taken to hospital with a broken femur and scratches on his head.
Now, following a petition with 536 signatures, and a recommendation from Pendle Council’s Colne Area Committee to Lancashire County Council, it is expected that a new crossing will be installed close to Chatham Street soon.
There was already a crossing on Skipton Road, but it was felt it was in the wrong place.
Emma, of Birtwistle Avenue, said: “It is really good news. I was talking to my mum about this, and it should have been done years ago.
“I feel better now. I won’t be walking that way when Leighton goes to high school in September, but all my nieces and nephews will be.
“I know it is bad that it happened, but at least we are well. We were lucky to come off as we did. It is onwards and upwards now.”
And Alan Capstick, public realm manager for Lancashire County Council, said: “We’re working with the borough council, parish council and police to look at proposals for a new crossing close to Chatham Street in addition to the existing one at the junction of Oak Street. We are hoping to take this forward in the next few months.”
Following the accident, Emma and Leighton have both recovered well, and Leighton is due to have an operation to remove the metal rods from his femur on April 18th.
Emma, who is also mum to Demi (14), has started work again, and said she is happy to be back in the old routine. She is also hopeful of running a 6K event at some point in September, after being given permission to use the gym by her physiotherapist.