ACTION is being taken to improve the safety of a Buckskin road after a Basingstoke pensioner warned: “Do something before someone dies”.

Cairngorm Close resident Michael Olive fears that a child will be killed if something is not done to address the speed that motorists travel along the bottom of Cairngorm Close, and he has campaigned for years to have safety measures installed including path barriers and warning signs.

The 77-year-old grandfather told The Gazette that he has been in contact with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and the police about his concerns, adding: “There are so many areas near here which have ‘no ball games here’ signs. Parents do not like their children going to the park on their own any more so kids don’t have anywhere to play.

“Kids come running out and they don’t think to look to see if anything is coming along.

“There are usually vans and cars parked on the corner of the T-junction. I have seen cars come down this road at around 30mph so kids don’t have a chance.”

He added: “A barrier doesn’t cost much but it could save the life of a child. I used to be a paramedic. I don’t want to have to use my skills but one of these days these children are going to get hit.

“I have asked for signs to be put at the entrance to the close. Children may be playing in the area and I wanted to put something up saying, stop and look.”

When The Gazette contacted Hampshire County Council’s office for a comment, Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “Having visited the site, Hampshire County Council will arrange for railings to be erected to improve pedestrian safety on the path that crosses the main access road into Tweedsmuir and Cairngorm Close.

“We will also consider whether additional signs are needed, and will work with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, who act as our agent for parking arrangements, to see if parking restrictions are needed.”

He added: “Although this will help improve the situation, local residents need to consider the safety of other road users and pedestrians when driving and parking in this area.”