THE layout of Prescot Road could be changed after a new safety audit conducted by the council in partnership with Violet-Grace’s Gift.

The community in St Helens was truly rocked by the tragic death of four-year-old Violet-Grace Youens in March 2017 after she was killed in a hit and run on Prescot Road.

Since then her family have campaigned for people to be wary of their driving on all roads in the borough with particular focus on the layout and speed limit of the road where their precious little girl was struck. The charity set up in her memory, Violet-Grace’s Gift announced this week that plans are set to take place.

In a statement it said: “We have some promising news from St Helens Council regarding the road safety options for Prescot Road where Violet-Grace was killed.

"An external road safety audit has been completed on behalf of St Helens Council.

“All potential options are being considered using the data from the audit.

"St Helens council advised they envisage that in the next couple of weeks they will have a provisional design to be considered subject to consultation.

"We would like to thank St Helens Council directly who continue to include us in the consultations.

"This is an amazing opportunity and we are so grateful that they have taken the time to listen to us and the community that changes need to be made to make St Helens roads safer.

"We would also like to thank the community of St Helens for their ongoing and continued support. We are committed to making the roads safer.”

A council spokesperson added: “We are pleased to be working with the family of Violet-Grace Youens who are passionate about keeping the roads of St Helens Borough safe.

"We are waiting for a design proposal from a company we met on site and then we need to carry out a safety audit of the proposed changes at Prescot Road.

"When we have that we will be in touch with the family again as there are a number of options that could be considered to keep motorists and pedestrians alike safe.”