Safety call in wake of girl's death in collision with coach

Walsall councillors were involved in a debate at a meeting of the full council after a petition collected more than 1,500 signatures calling for changes at the junction where the tragedy happened on February 24.

Natasha Whale was pronounced dead at the scene after her mother's car and an Adams Tours coach carrying schoolchildren crashed at the junction on Valley Road and Ryle Street in Blakenall, Walsall.

The council says £10,000 has been allocated to improve the junction pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird told Monday night's meeting it was important to wait for the results of the investigation before taking any action.

But Bloxwich East Councillor Kath Phillips, who submitted the petition, said the community was demanding immediate action.

She said: "I do not believe it is necessary to have to wait for a police report or coroner's report before making improvements.

"Should this be the case and another accident happens, Walsall Council should hang its head in shame."

Following the tragedy, families in the area complained that no action had been taken on the back of their previous calls for safety measures at junctions across the Blakenall Heath estate.

A petition was received in 2008 calling for speed restrictions in Valley Road and last September a bus ploughed into the garden of a home.

For the most recent petition, Councillors Phillips and Julie Fitzpatrick mobilised residents, schools and businesses to collect the names within 48 hours following an outcry.

Councillor Bird told the meeting yesterday: "It is important we wait until the police investigation, which is still ongoing, reveals the real cause of what happened."

He said it could be an issue of road safety but there may have been other elements to the tragedy.

The council has reserved £10,000 as part of the 2014/15 capital programme to introduce any measures that may improve the junction if recommended.

Natasha, a Walsall Academy pupil, had been a rear seat passenger when the car driven by her mother Shelley and school coach collided. Mrs Whale, aged 45, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Natasha's brother Callum, aged 17, who was also in the car, has since been discharged. The coach driver and seven passengers heading to Shelfield Academy in Pelsall were unhurt.

In a statement at the time, Walsall Academy said: "The students and staff at Walsall Academy are devastated by the news. Natasha was a model student who loved performing arts and sport. She was popular with staff and students alike and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time."

Councillor Phillips added: "The feeling in the area is that something needs to be done to improve road safety. We went out with a group of about 20 residents over the space of two days to distribute the petition and collect the signatures."