Calls for new safety measures at Johnstone junction where pensioner died
Councillor Andy Doig is hoping a consultation is launched on how to make the corner of Walkinshaw Street and High Street after an 80-year-old woman was killed when hit by a car last month.
Upgrading the safety measures at a "dangerous" junction in Johnstone town centre is now "urgent" after the death of a pensioner.
An 80-year-old woman was killed when hit by a car at the corner of High Street and Walkinshaw Street at the end of last month.
Another elderly woman she was with at the time is still in hospital recovering from the incident after being struck as well.
Councillor Andy Doig is encouraging bosses at Renfrewshire Council to start a consultation on what can be done to make the crossroads safer.
He told Clyde News: "This is a junction with long-standing issues and isn't designed for the level of modern traffic we have at the moment.
"There have been various accidents in the past and it's very sad there's been a fatality and serious injury recently.
"It's definitely one the council need to look at as it's fairly urgent."
One of the driving factors behind the cry for change is the high density of elderly people living near the junction.
Doig continued: "Prior to lockdown I was approached the the Johnstone Dementia Friendly Group which had just been established.
"They feel there's a particular need for something to be done and I agree with them.
"This cross roads is adjacent to two sheltered housing complexes and Provost Close which is the town's only high-rise flats and has a high proportion of elderly residents.
"I don't want to see any more deaths or serious injuries happening at this junciton.
"The council has to initiate a full consultation with the community council, dementia friendly group, Provost Close tenants and residents association and local businesses.
"To be frank, one death is one death too many."
A Renfrewshire Council spokeswoman said: “We were saddened to hear a person had passed away following the accident in Johnstone and continue to offer our condolences to their family and friends.
"Following an investigation by Police Scotland, they concluded no road related issues were identified that could have been a contributory factor to the accident, therefore we are not looking to implement new road safety measures at this junction at this time.
"However, we are always open to engagement with local representative groups and would be happy to consider running a consultation with local community groups, businesses and the community council in future.”