Mum of 10-year-old girl knocked unconscious following Sunderland hit-and-run backs call for safety measures on accident blackspot

Bobbie Tighe, 10, was crossing Redcar Road in Red House on her way home from school when she was hit by disqualified driver Joanne Beven.

Beven, 41, failed to stop and report the accident which happened on November 6, 2018, and left Bobbie lying unconscious in the middle of the road.

Beven was sentenced to 18 months in prison suspended for two years.

The brave little girl suffered a fractured pelvis, soft tissue injuries and minor head injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Now back at school, Bobbie is recovering well but has been plagued by nightmares of the ordeal.

Following the incident a petition was launched by road safety campaigners who want to see the speed limit on Redcar Road reduced to 20mph and speed bumps put in place.

The call has been led Southwick Labour councillor Alex Samuels, with the petition gathering more than 200 signatures.

Campaigners felt that the road had become an accident blackspot and that it is only a matter of time until another person is seriously hurt.

Now Sunderland council officers have confirmed that they will consider imposing safety measures such as a 20mph speed limit,

speed cushions and prominent road markings introduced on Redcar Road.

Officials say they will consult with the public and stakeholders on traffic calming measures to tackle the problem-road.

And the news has been welcomed by Bobbie’s mum Samantha Tighe, 29, who says she is 100% behind the measure.

She said: “It is definitely something I would like to see put in place, I am 100% behind the campaign.

“It would just be a relief if the measures were introduced as it may prevent someone else getting hurt.

“It has been a long time coming as the road is really bad with people driving so fast.

“I am excited to hear that safety measures are being considered.”

Although Bobbie looks set to make a full recovery, mum Samantha says she still needs to walk her to school each day.

She said: “She is still having nightmares and I still have to take her in each day, but she is doing absolutely amazing and has even started doing PE lessons again.

“She is such a brave little girl.”

Samantha added: “When Bobbie was in hospital she was saying there should be speed bumps on the road.

“She will be over the moon to hear of the petition.”

Coun Samuels said she led the call after being approached by a number of parents, carers and teachers, all with grave concerns about the road.

Coun Samuels said: “This is a huge step in the right direction for parents, carers, teachers, staff and most importantly, children, in the Redhouse area, who feel they are at risk on this road every day when they go to and from school.

“We really do feel that it is only a matter of time before someone else is hurt, unless urgent action is taken to improve safety on the road.

“This is great news for us as a council, as well as the school and Northumbria Police who have been supportive of this petition and share our belief that we need action to keep our young people safe.”

Coun Samuels has also worked English Martyrs School head teacher, Paula Cornell, to get her petition signed and pupils have designed road safety posters aimed at encouraging drivers to slow down.

Four designs chosen by officers from Northumbria Police, were included on a banner funded by Southwick Labour Councillors’ Community Chest funding.