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Cats killed by cars in Edwin Road, Rainham

A family who lost their pet cat after it was hit by a car are calling for greater safety measures to stop people using their road as a "race track".

Moggy Leo was hit by a car in Edwin Road, Rainham, last weekend prompting his owners to start a petition asking Medway Council to install speed bumps or cameras.

Leo, who was killed by a car in Edwin Road, Rainham. Picture: Sophie Mcpherson
Leo, who was killed by a car in Edwin Road, Rainham. Picture: Sophie Mcpherson

Sophie Mcpherson, whose partner lives in the road, says this is the second time recently a cat has been killed and the driver hasn't stopped, with other animals including foxes and a dog also also being hit.

She said: "On Saturday we lost one of our cats to another car that didn't stop, just carried on.

"It's happened to multiple people, losing an animal in such an unfair way. They're our family.

"I've seen a lot of people saying 'I've nearly been hit countless times trying to cross the road' and cars have been written off.

"It's just getting really bad and I think it's only a matter of time before someone does get hit and it's actually a person that ends up dying and then sadly that's when action will be taken."

Traffic during school picking up time in Edwin Road, Rainham. Picture: Sophie Mcpherson
Traffic during school picking up time in Edwin Road, Rainham. Picture: Sophie Mcpherson

The road runs behind the Tesco superstore on the Bowaters roundabout and is also home to Bryony School, an independent primary, pre-school and nursery.

Sophie says the issues often arise at drop-off and pick-up time, as well as at night when people "race" down the road.

Rainham Central councillor Barry Kemp (Con) says he will present Sophie's petition to Medway Council and officers will determine if introducing safety measures is appropriate, subject to consultation with residents.

He said: "It can be very frustrating, annoying and a very dangerous road.

"The trouble is, it's a long, straight road and recently parts have been resurfaced which tends to increase the speed somewhat.

Leo and his sister. Picture: Sophie Mcpherson
Leo and his sister. Picture: Sophie Mcpherson

"I'm all in favour of anything to do with road safety and reducing the risk of accidents, but it has to be done through the proper channels and then hopefully we can get it sorted.

"It's all got to be done democratically and following the correct procedure."

The petition can be found here.

So far, it has attracted almost 400 signatures.

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