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Inquest opens for tragic Blackpool teen
TRAGIC teenager Ben Halsall was killed after he rode his bike into a road to avoid a parked car.
The heartbreaking circumstances of the 13-year-old's death were revealed at the opening of his inquest following the accident on Watson Road on June 10.
And his parents have today called for action on the road where their son died after being hit by an oncoming car.
Brave dad Thornal Halsall, said: "My personal opinion is that the walkways should be made narrower and the road should be widened to bring in lay-by's.
"That way the parked cars would be out of the way of the line of traffic.
"The walkways here are that wide that I'm sure it would be possible. Anything to prevent another accident."
Mr Halsall said lay-bys along the whole of the street would give residents somewhere to park.
There are currently a number of lay-by's on the road, but they are often taken up by residents' cars.
With most of the houses on Watson Road lacking driveways, locals often have no choice, but to park their cars on the street.
Ben's mum Theresa, urged Blackpool Council to install speed bumps to slow drivers down and make the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Blackpool Council are now carrying out an investigation into the traffic situation on Watson Road at the request of local councillor, Coun Valerie Haynes.
Coun Haynes, said: "We are in a Catch 22 situation with lay-bys.
"If we installed them and it improved traffic flow it would actually increase speeds which could be just as dangerous."
The long-standing councillor, who has been inundated with calls for action by local residents, added: "I don't have any answers.
"I've asked for a speed count and a traffic count to take place with a view to putting in a zebra crossing and I will continue to push for action to happen.
"It's a very difficult situation and I just feel so terribly sorry for the Halsall family.
"I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must be to lost a family member like that.
"People are working very hard to come up with a solution."
Carol Bracegirdle, Blackpool Council's travel and road safety manager, added: "Personally I find this a very upsetting situation so I can only imagine how Ben's family and friends feel.
"Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
"I can understand why Mr Halsall wants to see action taken and I can assure him we are looking to see how safety could be improved on Watson Road."
Ben, a keen rugby player, was riding his bike home from school just yards from his home when the accident happened.
His parents, Thornal and Theresa, who were at home at the time, rushed to be by his side and travelled with him in the ambulance to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The Palatine School pupil was described as a well-mannered boy who loved rugby and spending time with his family.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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