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Mother of 10-year-old girl hit by car: Make sure my Sky is last accident victim

The family of a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a car are calling for road safety measures saying it was 'an accident waiting to happen'.

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Sky Dowell was knocked down on Avon Road, Cannock, in front of National Tyres on November 7.

The Longford Primary School pupil was with her mother, 27-year-old Natasha Dowell, and her four-year-old brother when the accident happened at about 3.40pm.

Miss Dowell, of Harrison Road, Cannock, said: "We were walking back from school and stopped at the island. A lady stopped to let us cross when a car squeezed past from behind her car and hit Sky.

"She was just one step ahead of me," she said.

The car hit the schoolgirl's right side and the impact threw her onto the car bonnet before she landed on the road on her left side.

Sky was carrying her PE kit, lunchbox and school bag on her right side, which cushioned the force of the car.

She suffered minor injuries to her leg and hip.

"Sky got straight up and started screaming hysterically for me. It happened so quickly and is a blur. A passer-by called 999 and other parents stopped to help," said Miss Dowell.

Sky was taken to New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, and is now recovering at home.

The family is now calling to have the 30mph road assessed and safety measures put in place.

Her grandmother, Patricia Carson, aged 47, has collected more than 100 signatures in 24 hours.

"We are just so thankful that she is alive, but something needs to be done about it – it was an accident waiting to happen," she said.

Ward councillor Maureen Freeman said traffic in the area was 'awful' and the approach to the island was 'frightening'.

"I will give any support I can to the family and I am going to pass their concerns on to highways on their behalf," said Councillor Freeman.

Longford Primary School, in Ascot Drive, just off Avon road, is supporting the family's efforts.

Headteacher Helen Hedar said: "The safety of children is always of paramount importance in school and any further measures that would enhance their safety on their route to and from school would be greatly appreciated by pupils, parents, staff and governors.

"We will be happy to work with the relevant authorities in any way necessary to consider any options available."

County Councillor Mark Deaville, cabinet support member for highways and transport, said: "We were sorry to hear of the accident and I'm pleased that the little girl involved isn't badly injured. This road has been assessed twice for a school crossing patrol and unfortunately didn't meet the criteria on both occasions.

"In light of the recent incident, we will be reassessing the route as a priority to see if anything has changed and what measures could be put in place if needed."

Staffordshire Police say they are not taking further action over the accident.

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