EXCLUSIVE: Mum of Motherwell schoolgirl killed by speeding driver speaks out one year on
The 12-year-old was knocked down on The Loaning on the 12th February 2019.
Last updated 13th Feb 2020
The mum of Abbie McLaren who was killed by a speeding driver in Motherwell is speaking exclusively to Clyde News, one year on from her death.
The 12-year-old was knocked down on The Loaning - after Martin McGuire was found to be driving dangerously without a licence and at 51mph on a 30mph road.
McGuire is the cousin of Abbie's father who was also in the car at the time - McGuire's now serving five years in prison after admitting to the crime.
Hundreds of people from the local community walked in Abbie's memory on The Loaning last night to pay tribute to the school girl, and raise awareness of the continued danger on the road.
Abbie's mum Ashley Kennedy said: "The road has always been dangerous.
"Things had been put in place to try and get things done and nothing ever had been done.
"Obviously after everything that happened with Abbie, it made it a lot worse."
Speaking on the first anniversary about her daughter's death, she said:
"It's been hell basically. The world has been turned upside down.
"You probably couldn't think of anything worse that could possibly happen to anybody.
"That day was my world basically gone."
North Lanarkshire Council has announced plans to carry out improvements to The Loaning in Motherwell following a consultation with residents.
In a statement, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, Paul Kelly, 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."
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