A MOTHER is campaigning to make the roads safer at Gleniffer Braes in Paisley where her young daughter was tragically killed in a car crash.

Niree Johnstone tragically died in an accident aged five, at the junction of Sergeant Law Road and Gleniffer Road earlier this month.

Since the smash her heartbroken mother has started petitioning to make the area safer to prevent another family going through the same devastation as hers.

She believes that bushes and trees hid give-way signs and the view of the road where Niree was killed on Tuesday, July 5.

Niree was a pupil at St Catherine’s Primary School and despite only being laid to rest on Friday, July 16 her mother is determined to rid the junction of existing dangers.

Cheryl Johnstone, 31, from Paisley said: "My daughter was killed on that road and I know a lot of other people who have had accidents at the same spot.

"Last week, a family friend was also involved in a car accident at the same spot but thankfully walked away from it.

"It is still an ongoing problem and I want the council to bring in measures to make it safer for everyone.

"I don't want anyone to go through what we are going through after losing Niree."

The petition was only set up last week but has since amassed almost 2,500 signatures.

Cheryl believes that so much support for the petition has been gained as many residents and commuters agree with or have experienced the dangers of the road themselves.

She said: "Due to the tragedy of Niree's accident, a lot of people have been very supportive of the petition.

"There are also a lot of people locally and further afield who know how bad the roads are.

"Even people from Ayrshire use it for work every day and those who were there on the day of Niree's accident are regular users of it.

"It is an accident hot spot and everyone knows it."

According to Cheryl there were overgrown bushes and trees blocking out road signs at the time of the accident.

She continued: "I haven't been up personally, I couldn't do it. But I've heard that the signs that were covered by trees are now visible.

"Driving a 60 miles per hour when you hit a bend like that however should not be allowed.

"The speed limit should be reduced or there should be speed bumps put in place.

"It's not just the bend, even further up the road has very unclear visibility.

"Going from 30 mph to 60 mph when you hit a bend is unsafe and I am speaking to the council about reducing it.

"I hope that they will work with me to see what they can do and what they think is an appropriate way to fix things."

Renfrewshire Council are unable to act on Cheryl's requests until the police investigation is over, which can often take weeks to be finalised.

However, she is concerned that there could be more accidents or fatalities during this time period.

"I don't want anyone to go through what we are just not and don't see why they have to wait," she added.

Pupils at Niree's school created a memorial for Niree at her school which Cheryl has visited on several occasions.

The youngsters have written cards, printed photos and left teddies and balloons for their classmate.

Cheryl said: "I've taken away a lot of the cards and nice pictures. It is very upsetting for them and they shouldn't have to be doing it.

"She was very popular at school, so fantastic and funny.

"Niree constantly had a smile on her face and make us all laugh, every hour of every day.

"She loved playing with babies and at any opportunity loved getting cuddles from my friends' new babies. She was so loving and caring, always wanting to play mummy.

"She also loved her make up and was very girly, and liked having her nails painted.

"She loved dressing up being the girly girl and will always my little princess.

"We were due to go on holiday this week and got her lots of lovely swimming costumes, flip flops and clothes.

"We had everything packed for her two days before the accident happened. I don't know if we will still be able to go away now.

"If the roads were made safer and my campaign made a difference this would mean so much to our family.

"It would mean that she hasn't died for nothing.

"Not only was Niree's life taken, but other people's lives have been completely changed as a result.

"If it doesn't get safer then there will be another family going through this too and it shouldn't have to happen.

"I would like to thank everyone for their continued support for signing and sharing the petition.

"There has been a lot of support from the community and we are touched at their comments, so thank you on behalf of myself and the family."

Niree had been out on a day out with her uncle Stephen Morning, 24, from Johnstone, his partner Ashleigh McMillan, of Elderslie, and their three-year-old son Logan when the accident took place.

A council spokesperson said: “Our sympathies are with all of those affected by the tragic accident which occurred at this junction.

“At this stage the matter is still subject to a police investigation and until that is concluded we are not in a position to comment any further.

“Once the police report is published we will consider what action would be appropriate.”

The petition demanding a safer road for all users Sergeant Law Road, Gleniffer Braes, Paisley can be found at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/305/641/559/