Abbie McLaren's heartbroken mum demands action one year after Motherwell road death

Wednesday marked the first anniversary of 12-year-old Abbie McLaren’s death, after being knocked down and killed on The Loaning road.

In June last year, her dad’s cousin Martin McGuire, 39, was sentenced to five years in jail for her death.

The court heard how dad-of-seven McGuire was driving, without a licence, at more than 50pmh in a 30mph zone when the incident took place.

Abbie’s dad John was in the passenger seat at the time.

Abbie McLaren was killed on The Loaning in Motherwell

READ MORE: Martin McGuire given five years in jail for killing schoolgirl Abbie McLaren

Now, as hundreds of friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the tragic youngster, mum Ashley Kennedy has revealed her heartache at a lack of action to make the road safer.

Speaking to Radio Clyde News, Ashley said: “The road has always been dangerous, nothing had ever been done.

“After what happened with Abbie it was a lot worse, this is a year on and still nothing has been done.

“There have been accidents after Abbie but we’re still going in circles basically.”

Flowers were laid at the spot where the youngster was killed, with residents walking through the streets holding banners including “Please slow down. We live here”.

Describing how her family have been coping since her daughter’s death, Ashley told the radio station: “It’s been hell, basically.

“Our world has been turned upside down.

“You couldn’t think of anything worse but that day was my world basically gone.”

More than 14,000 people signed a petition demanding traffic control measures in the wake of Abbie’s death.

READ MORE: Abbie Mclaren: Gran of Motherwell schoolgirl dead after being hit by car makes heartbreaking tribute

In October, a review was launched into the Motherwell street – with residents asked to consider a range of options to improve safety in the area.

And earlier this week, North Lanarkshire Council announced the next stage of its plans to carry out improvements on the road.

The council says the main two issues highlighter was the desire for a safer crossing and measures to reduce the speed of drivers.

Councillor Paul Kelly, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The consultation was extensive - the biggest roads consultation the council has ever carried out - and was extremely helpful.

“By definition works such as these need very careful planning to ensure they don't have any unintended consequences, maintain good access for residents and achieve the desired outcomes.

"I understand that waiting for these works can be frustrating for local people but the council has a number of complex steps to work through before work starts on the ground.

“This includes statutory consultations, establishing land ownership and designing each specific part of the works.

“All of this takes time but I am confident this will lead to the best outcome for road users."

Abbie’s mum, however, is demanding action is taken sooner rather than later.

She added: “They need to get roads into measure and get things done.

“They need traffic lights, speed bumps, anything.

“This is a really long road and things need to be done about it.”

 The council says they will now move forward to improve the road, including moving some bus stops along the route.

Nicole Paterson, head of environmental assets at the council, said: "These next stages are crucial to ensure the solutions put in place are the right ones.

“We will be able to announce the specific plans for each priority area as they are designed and we will keep local people up to date with progress.

“The consultation involved people fully and we aim to keep doing that as we work through what is an extensive programme.

“Since the consultation ended we have analysed the hundreds of pieces of information gathered.

"As we produce detailed designs, it is essential that we make sure we don't just push traffic problems elsewhere in the area.

“This has to work for everyone and provide safer crossing and reduced speed. Some of those solutions will be simple, some more complicated.”