A FAMILY grieving the loss of their cat, after it was killed in front of schoolchildren, say they believe drivers have killed dozens of pets on the same road.
The Schembri family cat, Odin, was run over during a morning school run as parents and children watched on.
James Schembri, 27, was working at home, in Leicester Grove, and ran out but found Odin had already died.
Now, Mr Schembri and his family want to see something done to tackle wider problems of speeding and poor parking on the road.
He said: “Unfortunately, we see so much speeding down that road (especially during the school run) and near misses with children on a daily basis. It is infuriating.
"Frankly, I am amazed at the fact there are no speed bumps or traffic calming measures.
“One day I fear it will be a school child.”
He added that they would like to see speed warnings or ‘slow’ signs introduced, a reduction in the speed limit, speed bumps and for traffic officers to patrol at peak times.
Mr Schembri said this was not the first time a resident's pets had been killed on the road.
He said: “We spoke with our neighbours and accumulatively we have lost double-digit pets to drivers on that road - the vast majority during the school run!
“I believe everyone forgets that it is also a residential area. We constantly see people parking on double yellows or in awkward places which exacerbates all the above, causing blind spots for drivers as well.”
Despite their loss, Mr Schembri, said the family were comforted by a kind neighbour.
He said: “A wonderful little boy had taken the time to make us a card that day.
“His drawing was incredibly accurate, especially the collar, and his kind words warmed our hearts.
“This young man will never understand the depth of appreciation we have for this gesture of decency.
The Schembri family did not know the boy before the incident on Wednesday, March 30, but discovered his name was Albert Johnson, a pupil at St Mary’s School.
They have since repaid his kind gesture by taking him an Easter egg.
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We have received correspondence from a resident regarding concerns about speeding on Leicester Grove.
"A member of the highways team will be visiting the area in due course.
"If residents are concerned about highways issues they can contact their local councillor or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/reportit."
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