A WEST Lancashire County Councillor is on a personal mission to get 20mph speed limits installed outside schools, after her own brother was killed in a tragic accident as a boy.
Skelmersdale East County Cllr Carolyn Evans' brother, Bobbie Emery, was just seven years old when he was struck by a van as he was leaving school in May 1966, and died instantly as a result of his injuries.
The incident happened in Blackpool, where Cty Cllr Evans is orginally from. Ever since then, she has campaigned tirelessly over road safety issues.
Cty Cllr Evans, whose electoral division includes Up Holland, Wrightington, Roby Mill, Crawford, Appley Bridge and the Moorside area of Skelmersdale, said: "I was 19 when Bobbie died and his death had a profound effect on me. I'd taken him to school in the morning, and that was the last I saw of him. It was such a long time ago now but there's not a day goes by where I don't think about him.
"The vehicle which struck Bobbie was going at 30mph so was not at fault in any way, but we know that if he had been struck at 20mph, he would have probably survived. That is why I am pressing hard for 20mph limits to be installed outside local schools, but particularly those which are on main, busy roads such as Up Holland High School, Mossy Lea Primary School and St Teresa's Primary School.
"Lancs County Council have been working with the Government to make this become a reality as soon as possible, and I'm pressing for our local schools to be included in the first tranche as it will be done over a period of time.
"The safety of our local children has got to be a top priority. I would hate any brother, sister or parent to lose someone close to them like I did all those years ago, and that is why I am so passionate about it."