Tributes left at scene of Darwen crash which killed man

The man, who was in his 70s and is has been named locally as Peter, was killed last Monday (December 9) at a crossing on Bolton Road in Darwen. Flowers and cards from Peter's family and friends were left on a railing outside The Retreat, while passers-by stopped to read the heartfelt messages and pay their respects. A message from Peter's son said: "You were my world and more.

You put me first no matter what and you're the one person I relied on to never let me down. "I will always look up to you because I know you will always be there. I love and miss you so much.

Speak soon." Another message said: "Those you love don't go away, they walk beside you every day. Good night, God bless."

Another message from Peter's niece said: "Thank you for being a wonderful uncle, especially there for us when we needed it the most. Making us laugh constantly with your crazy, lunatic, witty ways! "We will never forget you.

Please send us strength and watch over us all." Flowers and cards left at the scene (Image: NQ) Following the incident last week, which happened at around 10.50am, a petition has been launched[1] to improve the safety of the junction where Peter sadly lost his life. Samantha Nye, founder of Darwen Community Helpers, is urging the council to make the junction safer, saying "there has been an accident waiting to happen" at that junction.

Samantha said the crossing has always felt dangerous to her, adding that she has nearly been hit by a car at that junction twice in the past. She said: "I have to cross that road daily to get to my car. This particular crossing has always felt dangerous to me.

I've had close calls there myself, and it's unsettling to think that others are at risk too." Steve Bates, who runs No 1 Coffee Shop which is next to the scene,[2] also said the safety of the junction needs to be improved. He said: "It's a lights issue.

There needs to be a red light on that side of the crossing as well. "We see it on a number of occasions, people start to cross with traffic still going through. "It's not necessarily the fault of the driver and it's not the fault of the pedestrian, it's just the fact that there's no indication to the driver coming through that they need to stop."

A heartfelt tribute left at the scene (Image: NQ) The council previously said they are working closely with the police in their investigations. Lancashire Constabulary confirmed today (December 17) no arrests have been made at this stage. A police spokesperson said at the time: "Our officers were called at 10.47am today (9th December) to the A666 Bolton Road, to a report of a collision.

"They found that a DAF HGV had been in collision with a pedestrian in the carriageway. "Very sadly, the pedestrian - a 70-year-old man - was pronounced dead at the scene. "Our thoughts at this very sad time are with the man's family and loved ones. and they are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers."

Anyone with dashcam footage from around the area at that time should contact them on 101 quoting log 0367 of December 9, or email [email protected].

References

1. ^ Following the incident last week, which happened at around 10.50am, a petition has been launched (www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)
2. ^ Steve Bates, who runs No 1 Coffee Shop which is next to the scene, (www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)