A PETITION to make a Weston road safer where a young boy was scarred for life has been handed to North Somerset Council. Almost 1,500 signatures were gathered by protestors who want to reduce the speed limit in Marchfields Way

A PETITION to make safe a Weston road on which a young boy was scarred for life has been handed to North Somerset Council.

Almost 1,500 signatures were gathered by protestors who want to reduce the speed limit in Marchfields Way in Weston from 40mph to 30mph. Brendon Ford, aged 11, was left fighting for his life after being hit by a car there last year.

Councillor Ian Parker handed the petition in at a full council meeting on Tuesday.

He said: “The petitioners are aware that accidents are not frequent but it only takes one disaster to ruin the life of a youngster and devastate a whole family.”

“Just over a year ago a boy was hit by a car. He received brain damage and serious injuries. Part of his skull has been removed and will be replaced with a titanium plate.

“Petitioners have provided photographs that show a few metres from Wyvern Community School there is a crossing and before that there is a 40mph sign.

“This is an invitation for a crash and indicates to drivers that even though they are heading towards a crossing they can drive at an excessive speed. It is only a matter of time before someone is killed.”

Cllr Parker said that although there had been meetings with the school and the council, nothing conclusive had come out of the discussions.

Larch Centre pupil Brendon was on his way to Hutton Moor Leisure Centre to swim with a friend when he was hit by a Vauxhall Astra last October.

Chairman of the council David Shopland took the petition and agreed to hand to it to the appropriate executive member. Talks over a new speed limit are still ongoing.