Cat tragedy spurs Rainford mum to tackle speeding problem

Helen Ashton's cat Fidget was ran over by a red Renault Clio which was speeding down Church Road, next to the Derby Arms at around 2.30pm on Saturday, September 18.

Witnesses stated that the driver was going "way too fast" over the 30mph speed limit and drove straight over the unsuspecting feline at the speed bump outside the pub, killing him almost instantly.

While the Clio drove off without stopping, Helen tried in vain to save the eight-year-old Fidget at the emergency vets, which she described as an "absolutely horrible" experience as her pet was "bleeding everywhere".

A rescue cat, Fidget was described as "the most affectionate" pet

Devastated at the grisly death of the much-loved family pet, Helen explained she wants to enforce some positive change out of the sad situation, with speeding and accidents now rife in the village.

She said: "Some people think it's just a cat but its more than that, the consequences could have been much more severe and it could have been a child which got ran over.

"I don't need people's sympathy, I need something to change."

With "loads of accidents" occurring in Rainford over the years, including the death of an older woman and Helen's other cat Monkey being knocked down, a lot of residents in Rainford are in agreement that something needs to be done about the problem.

After making a homemade sign with her daughter Bethan to remind road users about the speed limit, Helen has gone on to speak to local councillors and the police about local security measures to keep residents safe near the roads.

Posters and signs are now up to remind people to slow down through Rainford

With more posters placed up and down the village, there is a hope to implement lasting changes such as speed cameras, better signage and effective speed bumps.

Helen said: "Anyone can have an accident and I'm not telling anyone not to drive, but we desperately need a review into the traffic flow around the village, with more warnings and more deterrents out there.

"At the moment you're taking your life into your own hands walking up the road [...] and it doesn't feel a safe place to live given our experience."

Rainford councillor Allan Jones agreed that the issue of speeding is getting worse and there has been increasing complaints from residents recently.

He explained that getting people to stop speeding is not always an easy problem to solve, but is liaising with the council and the police to improve the situation.

Cllr Jones added: "The police, council and residents all need to come together on this issue, which will go some way in easing the speeding in the village.

"There are currently no fixed speed cameras across Rainford and St Helens so we must think about this solution seriously."

Councillor Allan Jones

Despite the trauma of Fidget's untimely death, it is hoped that his death is a catalyst for lasting change in the area and can prevent further speeding accidents from occurring.

Helen added: "Because of the speed and selfishness of one driver we are now one member of our family down."

"I just hope something positive action comes from this [...] because something needs to change."