'We always feared a tragedy'

From the archive, first published Thursday 7th Dec 2006.

Safety concerns are to be raised about a busy stretch of road which claimed the life of a schoolgirl.

Amy Howard, 12, of Addingham, was killed as she made her way home from school.

She was crossing Wharfedale Road, near the Addingham roundabout, when she was involved in an accident with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Now the safety issue looks set to be discussed at both the next Addingham Parish Council meeting and at Ilkley and District Road Safety Committee.

Amy, a pupil at Skipton Girls' High School, had just got off a school bus and was crossing the road to get to her home in nearby Crossbank Road when the accident occurred on Monday at about 4.19pm.

Paramedics took her to Airedale General Hospital at Steeton where she later died.

People living nearby have now spoken of their fears over the safety of the road and the lack of lighting - especially at the bus stops.

One man, who had experienced several near misses when trying to cross, said it had been "an accident waiting to happen".

Another resident branded it a dangerous stretch and called for lighting to make it safer - especially for people getting on and off buses.

Jonathan White, who represents Addingham on the Ilkley and District Road Safety Committee, said: "I am sure we would all agree it is something that needs to be addressed if a young lass has been killed there."

Addingham Parish Council meets on Wednesday, December 20. Parish councillors will also be holding a surgery at the Old School in the village on Saturday, December 16, for villagers to have their say.

A Bradford Council spokesman said officers would be looking at issues raised following the tragedy.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call Keighley police on (01535) 617059.

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@bradford.newsquest.co.uk