Renewed safety calls a year after dog killed

2:17pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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The owners of a puppy which was mown down and killed in a borough park are still calling for safety improvements at the scene - a year after the accident.

Wayne and Emma Veysey's nine-month-old cocker spaniel Murphy was knocked over by a Group 4 Securicor van outside Marble Hill House in Marble Hill Park, Twickenham, on May 9, 2007.

Following the incident, the couple, of York Road, Teddington, campaigned for improvements to be made, collecting a petition with over 1,000 signatures. However, as the anniversary of their pooch's death approaches, the pair, who now have a new dog called Beamish, feel English Hertitage, which owns the park, has not done enough to enhance safety.

Mrs Veysey said: "Cars are still going down there fast and there are no new signs. It's coming up to the summer so there will be more kids down there which will make it more dangerous.

"We loved him Murphy to pieces. If it was a child they English Heritage would be taking different measures. He was like a child to us though.

"There's one speed hump now but it's not making much difference. We need more all the way down the path up to the house."

A spokeswoman for English Heritage said a risk assessment was carried out following the accident last year and a new speed hump was put in at the corner of the coach house.

She said: "Two traffic surveys were completed on May 30 and January 22. As a result of the surveys the Marble Hill ranger team has increasedits patrols in this area during busier times."

She added that a letter was issued to all suppliers that access the site to reinforce the 5mph speed restrictions.

English Hertitage also agreed to fund a memorial to Murphy.

However, Mrs Veysey, who now has a four-month-old baby, Woody, said she was upset it would not be in place in time for the anniversary.

The English Heritage spokeswoman added: "Unfortunately, we have experienced supply issues with the commemorative drinking trough, but we have ensured that there has been regular communication between the team and Murphy's owner to keep them up-to-date. We do aim to have the base laid and plaque installed for the memorial day."