Mother's plea to close son's death crossing (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Mother's plea to close son's death crossing in Gilesgate, Durham

5:09pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Mark Tallentire, Reporter (Durham)

THE mother of a teenager killed crossing a busy road has made a last-ditch plea for the route to be closed.

Madeline Walker’s son Brandon Nugent died in March 2011 after being hit by a car while using Kepier Crossing, an old right of way across the A690 near Gilesgate, Durham City.

Since the 13-year-old’s death, Durham County Council has installed signs on the dual carriageway aimed at making the crossing more obvious to motorists.

However, councillors refused to spend £30,000 on street lights and now, following a public consultation, highways officials are recommending the speed limit be kept at 70mph.

There have been calls for it to be cut to 50mph.

The council’s highways committee will debate the issue on Friday (March 8).

Ms Walker said: “I don’t think the 50mph would make a difference. It’s quite congested and traffic often has to travel under 50mph anyway.

“But it’s a dangerous crossing. I’m annoyed it’s still there.

“They’ve done some work but it’s rubbish. It’s still not enough. They should take it away.”

Ms Walker plans to attend Friday’s meeting to make her case.

“I would like to put things right. We can’t bring him back. You have to move on.

“But the least I can do for Brandon is go and represent him. All this wouldn’t have come to light if Brandon hadn’t lost his life.”

The Gilesgate teenager was a pupil at St Leonard’s RC School, in Durham. Classmates raised money to install a bench in the playground in memory of him.

Ms Walker said: “He’s remembered very, very fondly.

“You just have to try to go forward with your life. I’m not the only parent that’s suffered a devastating loss in the world.”

During a council consultation last summer, 77 per cent of people objected to reducing the A690 speed limit.

Thirteen people suggested closing Kepier Crossing. A report for Friday’s meeting says the committee has already decided to keep it open, in November 2011.

It also says the £100,000 cost of reducing the speed limit would be difficult to prioritise.

The issue will be debated at County Hall, Durham, at 10am on Friday.