Sherwood MP Mark Spencer calls for tram safety action to be speeded up after Lindsey Marie Inger death
THE heartbroken foster mum of a Bulwell teenager killed by a tram has welcomed efforts to speed up the implementation of an elevated footbridge at the notorious tram and train death spot.
Thirteen-year-old Lindsey Marie Inger, of Longford Crescent, Bulwell Hall Estate, died last November after being struck on the pedestrian level crossing at the Hucknall-Bulwell boundary.
Her death came four years after Hucknall woman Jean Hoggart and her seven-year-old grandson, Mikey Dawson, were killed by a train on the same crossing.
Now, following a meeting between Sherwood MP Mark Spencer and Tramlink chiefs to push forward plans for a footbridge over tracks, Marlene Starling (67) said improvements at the site cannot come soon enough to prevent further tragedy.
“We started a petition for a footbridge the day after Lindsey was killed,” said Mrs Starling, who fostered Lindsey from the age of six months. “For us, it can’t come soon enough. It won’t bring Lindsey back but it will stop this ever happening to anyone else.
“I’d urge all parties involved to do all they can to get things moving. We won’t stop until a bridge is in place, we owe it to Lindsey.”
Following talks this week with Tramlink chief executive Phil Hewitt, Sherwood MP Mark Spencer hopes to see the proposed footbridge project move forward ‘at pace’.
He said: “Seven land owners are involved, and planning permission and a re-route of the right of way are required. I appreciate matters like this require a legal process, but that needs to start now. I don’t want to see people dragging their feet.”
“It is clear that Tramlink is committed to taking the necessary steps to prevent recurrence of these entirely avoidable accidents.
“It seems clear to me that an elevated footbridge across the tramline is the best of the available options for improving safety on this spot and I am pleased that Tramlink seems to agree. The issue now will be putting the bridge in place in a timely fashion and for that I look to Network Rail, NET and indeed the local authorities involved to move forward with this project at a pace which recognises the urgency of ensuring that no more lives are lost.”
A spokesman for Tramlink Nottingham said: “We had a very productive meeting with Mr Spencer and are working closely with Network Rail on their ideas for a footbridge.”
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) which runs the trams, was unavailable for comment at the time the Dispatch went to press.
Mr Spencer added: “Investigations are ongoing but those involved are treating this with the level of seriousness you’d expect. What I don’t want to happen is things grind to a halt and see another tragedy in a year’s time.”
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Weather for Hucknall
Saturday 25 May 2013
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Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
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