PROTESTERS say the road layout around the Simms Cross area is a death trap.

Joanne Dennett, who launched a campaign against the Brynn Street bus route and the modified road layout more than nine months ago, claims her initial fears were realised when eight-year-old Dylan Lines was killed in a collision with a bus three weeks ago.

Mrs Dennett, speaking to the Weekly News in March, said: 'Every neighbour is shocked about [the route] and it seems as though our efforts have been falling on deaf ears.

'We have video footage of a bus very nearly hitting a child who was playing outside - it's just not a safe environment any more.'

Now Mrs Dennett is calling for council action before another child or pensioner suffers the same fate as Dylan.

She said: 'Unfortunately, our worst nightmare did happen when Dylan was killed. We have been on and on about the safety aspect of the road system for nearly a year - as yet, nothing significant has happened.

'There will be another fatality if the whole system is not altered to make the place safe.

'The traffic is completely gridlocked from Milton Road, all the way past the supermarket, on to the surrounding streets. In Brynn Street, we still have the 28 buses going past our homes every hour and we are worried sick that the next accident may be here.'

Mrs Dennett, who compares the traffic problems in her area to Birmingham's infamous Spaghetti Junction, has vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations in the hope of a Halton Borough Council rethink. But protesters feel pessimistic about any drastic changes being implemented.

Mrs Dennett added: 'We have been told a lot of things with regards to this bus route but not a lot of positive action has been done. There are plans in the pipeline about new modifications but we want action, not words.

'The traffic congestion has increased tenfold but that has to be expected when you live next door to a supermarket.'

Dylan's mother, Jackie Lines, gave her backing to the campaign, which has now attracted attention from all wards of Widnes. Her daughter, Natasha, was present at the latest protest.

She said: 'Anything that can be done to prevent another tragedy has to be a good thing.'

A council spokeswoman said: 'Various meetings have been held with residents who have expressed concern over traffic on Brynn Street for several months.

'Options to address problems identified by residents have been investigated and a scheme has been drawn up. This scheme was approved as per the recommendations by the executive board sub-committee on Tuesday.'