RESIDENTS on a Newport estate where a schoolboy died after being hit by a car have presented a petition to the council calling for traffic calming.

Kieron Evans, aged seven, was knocked down in Hendre Farm Drive, Ringland, on June 12. He died in hospital on June 17.

Speed was not a factor in the tragedy and an inquest earlier this month returned a verdict of accidental death.

But residents say that a fortnight ago another boy was hurt in a collision with a car, near the scene of Kieron's accident.

Now residents say the council must take action. The 100-page petition, signed by more than 3,000 people, was organised by Helen Quegan.

She said: "Hendre Farm Drive is one of the main routes through Ringland. The traffic calming measures end just up the road, and we want them to be extended all the way down to make it a safer place for children. Too many accidents have happened here already."

Following the inquest into Kieron's death, Newport Coroner David Bowen said he would bring the case to the attention of Newport council.

Mr Bowen said although the speed of the vehicle was not a factor in Kieron's death, Hendre Farm Drive needed traffic calming measures.

Councillor Graham Dally, cabinet member for transport, accepted the petition from residents this week.

He said the council had a two-year scheme to introduce traffic calming measures on roads throughout Newport.

"We will have to reconsider what we do on Hendre Farm Drive, because the scheme only goes so far down at the moment," he said.

"There is never enough money to set up traffic calming schemes everywhere, and unfortunately you have to wait for accidents to prioritise things. That shouldn't have to happen."

Ringland Councillor Tony Gray said: "I fully support the campaign, and I'm working hand in hand with residents to get it through. We don't want to see another tragic accident in Ringland."

PETITION: Eight-year-old Jessica Evans hands over a petition to Councillor Graham Dally.