MORE calls are being made for improvements to a road junction in Bransgore which claimed the life of young cyclist, Aarron Keeping.
Aarron, 12, from Burnt House Lane in the village, died in hospital shortly after being involved in a collision with a car at about 4.30pm on Tuesday.
The parish council has been attempting to have improvements made to the staggered and partially blind corner beside the Crown Inn. But their calls fell on deaf ears in the past because - until now - there had been no fatalities.
Aarron was thought to have been attempting to cross Burley Road from The Crown pub when his bicycle was in collision with a Ford Focus, driven by a 25-year-old.
Bransgore ward New Forest district councillor, John Penwarden, said: "I support anything to try and improve the junction there, but it's difficult to know how you can. I believe a barrier at that point would help."
He is suggesting a physical barrier could be placed at the edge of the pub forecourt to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from crossing at a point where it is difficult top see and be seen.
If a barrier were installed, people would have to cross Burley Road on the eastern side of the junction, which would improve visibility for them and drivers.
Burley Road is currently subject to a 40mph speed limit.
Cllr Penwarden had some good news: "By March next year, from near West Road to Burnt House Lane junction we have agreement to bring the speed limit down to 30mph."
Fellow Bransgore ward councillor, Peter Greenfield, said he was stunned when he heard about Aarron's death.
"It's your worst nightmare," he said. "I don't think we can let this fester any more. We have to do something and get it sorted out."
Cllr Greenfield said he would speak to New Forest District Council engineers and the county highways department.
"There are no excuses, we've got to sort it out. I'm just stunned by it. I think John's idea is a really good one. We need a quick fix. But I think, longer term, the whole junction needs a radical rethink."
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