Campaign launched for urgent road safety measures in Southport where friends died

People are being asked to support a road safety campaign in Southport at the spot where two beloved friends tragically lost their lives. 

Marie Cunningham, 79 and Grace Foulds, 85, died after being struck by a vehicle on Lulworth Road in Birkdale on Tuesday, 30th November.

The tragedy happened at 4:55pm and resulted in the road being closed for hours as a police investigation began.

A petition has now been launched for urgent safety measures to be installed, with people asked to sign petitions which are so far available in the Victoria Leisure Gym on the Promenade in Southport and in Rowlands Chemist in Birkdale Village. 

If anyone else would like to join the campaign and host petitions, they are being invited to get in touch. 

The Cunningham Family said: “On the 30th November 2021 our mum Marie Cunningham was sadly killed along with her friend Grace simply trying to cross Lulworth road.

“Their deaths have shocked residents in the area who have said that a crossing has been needed for some time.

“With this in mind as a family we have engaged with Sefton Council and started a process to review the possibility of installing a pedestrian crossing to allow safe passage. 

“As part of this process it is important that this crossing request is supported by residents so as a family, we are looking for your support.

“We are asking you to sign this petition so we can forward this as evidence to Sefton Council to show the need for change and protect pedestrians in the area. 

“The above petition is at Rowlands Chemist, Birkdale Village and The Victoria Gym, Southport.

“If you are passing either of these establishments would you please pop in and sign.

“If any other local businesses want to help us to get as many signatures as we possibly can then please message me and we can drop a copy off.

“From the end of Lord Street there isn’t another crossing on that busy road until Greenbank School. 

Birkdale has the highest population of over 85 year olds in the country. Surely they deserve the right to cross over that road with confidence and feel safe?

“We have to do a paper version first to present to Sefton Council and then if the outcome isn’t what we want we will then organise an e-petition.

“Thank you, from The Cunningham Family.” 

The family issued a moving tribute after Marie Cunningham’s untimely death in November. 

They said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our special mum, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunty, Marie (Mary) Cunningham.

“Marie was an amazing person who lived for and loved her family and will be missed every day.

“Our family would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to give first aid and assistance to Marie and Grace at the time of the incident.”

Grace Foulds’ family said: “It is with deep sadness that Caroline Clarke and Victor Foulds announce the tragic and sudden death of their mother Grace Foulds, aged 85.

“Grace, who lived on Palatine Road, was a popular member of the Birkdale community as well as a regular at St Joseph’s Church. She will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends.

“Our family wish to pass their thanks to the emergency services and staff at Southport Hospital.”

Both families asked for privacy as they grieve for their losses.

Enquiries into the collision are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call our Matrix Roads Policing Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 21000831536.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com