Lucky escape at roundabout (From Witney Gazette)

Lucky escape at roundabout

9:00am Wednesday 8th November 2006 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

COUNCILLORS are calling for the safety of Witney's busy double mini-roundabouts to be improved after a teenager was hit while crossing a road.

East Witney councillor Roger Curry is asking for immediate action after a 16-year-old-boy was struck by a car while crossing Newland, at the mini-roundabouts connecting to West End, Wood Green, and Bridge Street.

The boy was hit at lunchtime last Wednesday.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe, where he was treated for concussion. He suffered minor injuries and was back at school at Wood Green sixth form last week.

Last Thursday morning, three cars were involved in a collision at the same roundabout. Three people were treated by paramedics but none suffered serious injuries.

Roger Curry, councillor for Witney east, said: "We have been asking the county council to improve the safety of the road crossing at the mini roundabouts, as it is an extremely dangerous crossing. They had promised to do something in May, but have done nothing so far. I want to see the refuge in the road made bigger and better.

"They now say they'll do something this month - but too late for this poor young boy.

"Cars drive so fast in all directions around those roundabouts, it's an absolute nightmare."

Dora Jupp, of Woodlands Road, Witney, came to the rescue of the teenager after the crash and stayed with him until paramedics arrived.

She said: "I didn't see what happened, but I saw him lying on the pavement, shaking. He was very dazed and he couldn't say his name. He had a good bump on his head. He was shaking and traumatised, he didn't know what happened and what had hit him.

"I think he was very lucky not to have been more badly hurt. It is a very dangerous junction. Cars come very fast down there and it's very hard to cross. I think something should be done - lots of children from Wood Green have to cross there."

County council deputy area engineer, Paul Wilson, said: "We have a project planned to almost double the size of the central refuge in the road at this site.

"We want to get it done this side of Christmas."