An incredibly moving image. Friend of Jack Garrington pay their respects to his memory. A remarkable image by Sarah Lou Harvey, posted on Twitter yesterday. Thanks to Sarah for her kind permission to use it here.

Following the tragic, heart-rending death of 12 year old Jack Garrington on the Chester Road, Shire Oak on Thursday, Brownhills has been in a state of shock. Many locals have paid tribute to the young lad, floral tributes have been laid at the scene and it’s fair to say that a perceptible air of sadness has prevailed locally.

The accident was a terrible thing, and has had much coverage in the local media. My sympathies and condolences go out to Jack’s family, his friends and all those affected. I’m sure I speak for all of the readers here and the the town in general on this. Jack’s death is an unimaginable loss and I can’t begin to comprehend the feelings of bereavement and grief that his family must be enduring – it must be overwhelming.

It’s good to see locals rallying round, however, and I’d like to point out a page on Facebook that’s been created, campaigning for better road crossings not just on Shire Oak where the accident occurred, but on Lindon Road, too.

I have been in touch with the page creators and they have written to Walsall Council, local Councillors, and our MP, Sir Richard Shepherd. It would be a good idea if readers could join in the campaign, and contact officials and our politicians similarly.

You can email Walsall Councill’s Road Safety Team directly by clicking here.

Only by applying pressure can a change be effected.

Local roads are getting busier and busier, and we really need to support pedestrians more – they are the most vulnerable group on our roads, particularly schoolkids. Let’s get together and push for better crossings.

Hat tip to the page creators, they have my full support and that of the Brownhills Blog. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail do com.

Visit the ‘Pedestrian Crossings for Shire Oak’ campaign page by clicking here.

This page will be pinned to the top of the blog for the next few days. New material will appear below it.

Click on the image to visit the page.