Pensioner death crash road was a huge worry for Islington parents
The scene shortyl after the accident - Credit: Archant
A parent worried about her children’s safety says she complained about a danger road just weeks before a pensioner was crushed to death under a lorry.
Last Wednesday, 70-year-old Janette Hastead was killed after a collision with a tanker in Arlington Square, near the junction with Packington Square, Islington.
The vehicle had driven down a narrow road partially blocked by a building site – and Rachel Exelby, who lives in nearby Bevan Road, says she wrote to Hyde Housing, which manages the site, about her concerns.
She said: “This road has been a massive worry. It’s been an accident waiting to happen. There is no pavement and massive lorries go up and down.
“I am terrified one of my children is going to be injured during the school run.
“I wrote to Hyde Housing to do something about it – even just ban lorries when children are on their way to and from school, but they didn’t reply.“
Friends of the victim say she was known on the estate as Scottish Jenny, and had been bed-bound with a cold but on the morning of the accident had felt well enough to pop to the shops.
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One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “She was a lovely woman – really friendly. Everyone knew her and we are all so shocked and devastated.
“I knew her for 30 years and used to look after her dogs. She was an animal lover. I can’t believe it. We will all really miss her.”
I feel sorry for the driver – he will have to live with this for the rest of his life.”
A caretaker on the estate, who only wished to be named as Jim, said: “We were having a tea break when we heard the police. We went out and it was chaos.
“Her shopping trolley was just sat there. The lady normally goes out with two friends but today she went on her own.
A spokesman for Hyde Housing said they had no record of Ms Exelby’s letter.
She added: “We understand some residents have concerns and we are taking these seriously. In light of this tragic accident, Hyde and its contractor will be meeting with resident representatives in the next week to discuss issues and future proposals.”
A post mortem was carried out on Monday.
The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and given police bail until mid March.
Any witnesses should call police on 020 8842 1817.
