Bolton: Grandma of girl hit by bus 'continuing fight' for crossing

Saturday January 21 marked a year since Scarlet Taziker – who was aged 12 at the time – was involved in the accident when she was on her way home from Turton High, while trying to cross Turton Road, Bromley Cross, near Shady Lane.

Scarlet’s grandma Sheila days that Scarlet is doing much better now, but that she is still "wary of the roads".

She especially wants people to remember what happened because of the impact it had on the family.

• ALSO READ: New survey carried for Turton Road crossing
• ALSO READ: Father backs Bolton pelican crossing call after daughter is hit by bus

Scarlet Taziker and her grandma Sheila (Image: Public)

Sheila said: “She’s doing really well, but still wary of the roads.

“I would say she definitely has more road sense now.

“We have been very lucky.

“I am not giving up even if it doesn’t come off, we will still push for it.”

Following a survey that said the junction did not meet the threshold for a pedestrian crossing, a new survey was carried out by Shady Lane.

A report is now expected to be published in February, and Sheila remains hopeful, although disappointed of the time it has taken. 

• ALSO READ: Area for pelican crossing identified on Turton Road

She said: “They said it’s needed, so I can’t understand why they are messing about when it’s such an important issue.

“I know they said it would take time, but I think a year is too long.

“Anything could happen in a year.

When Scarlet was in hospital and now (Image: Public)

“All it takes is for children is a small distraction – which is normal - and that’s it.”

Sheila says that when Scarlet gets off the bus now she has to let her parents know.

When looking to the future Sheila said she is “dreading” when she’s “out and about by herself”.

She said: “She’s a teenager so will be wanting to do that, but the roads are so busy.

“I know she will be fine, but it’s happened once before.

“You want your children to be independent and we don’t want to be overprotective, but it makes me nervous.”

Sheila also said that Scarlet has asked when the crossing will be installed too, and that it is still in the “back of her mind”.

She says that this is also bigger than Scarlet and that she will continue to campaign for “the safety of the community”, particularly the elderly, vulnerable and children.

Cllr Nadim Muslim added: “The report will still come out in February.

“It’s only a few weeks away now, so hopefully we will have a positive update to share.”

Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North East, has also been involved in supporting the campaign and identifying an area for the crossing.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.