Crash victim, 9, in plea for anti-speed measures

A nine-year-old boy who faced surgery and lengthy rehabilitation after being run over at a speeding blackspot is heading a campaign for traffic-calming measures.

Dan was airlifted from West Road in Annfield Plain, County Durham, to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary in April last year, on what his dad Craig Ross described as one of the worst days of his life.

The local community has backed the campaign, called Silence the Loud, to force changes to the road where residents say they even hear cars speeding, especially at night.

Durham County Council said it had been in discussions about safety on West Road, but the ward's new councillors said it is time to "get on with building the thing".

Dan was walking to the cricket club near his home when he was struck.

Mr Ross said: "As he was unconscious, I didn't know if he was alive. He was in a bad state."

The youngster stayed in hospital for six nights and had metal pins inserted into his leg.

He then needed weeks of recovery in a wheelchair followed by rehabilitation using a walking frame.

Mum Jess Stephenson said the crash has had a long-term impact on her.

"I'm so frightened to let him out my sight. I find it difficult living so close to where it happened.

"We've always said it's an accident waiting to happen, but we never thought it would be one of our children."

Dan's grandad David Stephenson, who started the safety campaign, said: "When Dan was lying on the side of the side of the road, he said, 'Mam, am I going to die?'

"No mother should have to hear that. That's the day I was determined to get something done on this road."

West Road, which is known locally as The Loud, is designated a 30mph zone but campaigners say its long, straight, downhill stretch encourages speeding and children have been killed there in decades past.

Pupils at Dan's school, Catchgate Primary, created posters which have been displayed on the road.

Harrison, aged nine, said: "There's normally a lot of cars speeding. Cars here just go too fast."

Classmate Jackson said: "We have been helping, but cars have still been going over the limit and fast."

Mr Ross said: "You can see people aren't doing the correct speed.

"We need something put in place to slow the traffic down. It's only a matter of time before it happens again."

Durham Police said it was "aware of the community concerns" and was using speed camera vans to identify drivers breaking the law.

However, campaigners want permanent measures introduced which have been estimated to cost about £50,000.

So far, the local authority and Durham's Labour Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen have pledged £33,000 between them.

The current councillors for Annfield Plain and Tanfield, Darren Grimes and Karen Allison of Reform UK, said they were prepared to use their local budgets to meet any shortfall.

Grimes said the pair "have been pushing officers to get this moving".

"They're finalising detailed designs and getting contractor quotes as we speak.

"We're talking weeks to have firm costs and a delivery timeline, then we can get on with actually building the thing.

"The residents of Annfield Plain deserve action, not more meetings. These campaigners have done the hard work, now it's time for the council to deliver."

Dave Lewin, Durham County Council's strategic traffic manager, said: "A number of discussions have been held regarding speeding concerns on West Road and, as a result, we are working hard to introduce traffic-calming measures to address the issue.

"We will continue to work with residents, police and the police and crime commissioner on this important issue."

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