Public meeting to be held in Overton-on-Dee following death of Robert Gaunt

Oct 1 2009 by Chris Smith, Wrexham Chronicle

A PUBLIC meeting is being held to demand road safety measures following a child’s death.

Nine-year-old Robert Gaunt was killed crossing the A539 Wrexham Road, Overton-on-Dee, in March.

Motorist David Lunn, 61, of Moorland Avenue, Queens Park, Wrexham, drove off from the scene.

He later admitted causing death while driving with no licence, no insurance and perverting the course of justice, and was jailed for 22 months.

The judge said it was important everyone knew what had happened was not because of Lunn’s standard of driving.

Robert’s stepmum Tara Green has already launched a campaign calling for the Government to bring in stiffer penalties for criminal drivers.

Now Overton Community Council has arranged a meeting in the village hall on Tuesday, October 6, at 7pm.

A Community Council spokesman said: “For many years we have tried to introduce improved road safety schemes and speed reduction initiatives, on all roads leading to and within the village.

“There has been resistance from those responsible for facilitating change; one reason given for this was the lack of a fatality on Overton’s roads. Sadly this is not now the case.

“Following the death of Robert Gaunt earlier this year we continued to drive our campaign.

“After canvassing residents’ views in a questionnaire, the meeting will be held to discuss the results.

“We will present them to Wrexham County Borough councillors, representatives of their traffic department, the police and local politicians.

“Everyone is welcome to attend and give their views. Become involved and help make the changes that residents want.”

For details, contact Katrina Chalk, clerk to Overton Community Council, The Village Hall, Pen-y-lan Street, Overton-on-Dee, Wrexham, LL13 0EE, call 01978 710055 or email occ.clerk@btinternet.com.