Six-year-old injured on Barry road: Family calls for safety measures; police yet to identify driver (From Barry And District News)

Six-year-old injured on Barry road: Family calls for safety measures; police yet to identify driver

7:50am Thursday 4th October 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

FAMILY and neighbours of a six-year-old girl, who was airlifted to hospital after she was hit by a car in Barry, are calling for improved road safety measures - as police continue to search for the driver involved.

Six-year-old Taya Nurton was struck by the vehicle on Winston Road, at the Colcot, at around 4.55pm last Thursday (September 27).

But officers have still not been able to trace the car's driver, and are appealing for him or her to come forward, and for any witnesses. They also want help in identifying similar vehicles that may have sustained recent damage.

Police believe a grey or silver estate-type car was travelling along the road at a relatively slow speed when it came into contact with the Colcot Primary School pupil, who had been playing with a friend outside her auntie's house.

The car involved failed to stop and left the scene.

Taya was taken by air ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, where she was treated initially in the intensive care unit, then on the ward until she was discharged this week.

Her granddad David Ward said she had suffered a broken rib, facial injuries below her nose, gashes to her legs and a swelling to her head.

She will need new teeth to replace those lost as a result of the accident, but is in "good spirits", he added.

Meanwhile, family and other residents called on the Vale Council to address their road safety concerns, claiming speed bumps were ineffective and pavement-parked vehicles combined with narrow roads and a bus route, make the area hazardous.

David said: "With how much traffic comes down here, you would think it's the M4. The cars come down like a bullet."

Vale Council director of visible services and housing, Miles Punter said he was sorry to hear about the accident and his thoughts were with the little girl and her family.

"The initial police report suggests that speed was not a contributory factor and that there are no highway-related concerns," he said.

"We can't comment further until the final police report has been received."

Anyone with information about the collision should call the Police on 101 quoting Incident number 654 of the 27th September 2012, or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.