BY MICHELE CANNING SMITH
A NEWLY elected MLA has called for measures to be taken at the Newtownstewart bypass.
His call follows the death of a 69 year old mother of five, Betty Scott, last week in a tragic accident near the Plumbridge junction of the A5 road.
Allen Bresland said there was no suggestion that speed was a factor in the tragic accident but he said there was an inclination by the general motoring public to drive at speed on the bypass.
"People are inclined to drive fast along it because of the good carriageway. I am not suggesting that speed caused this accident, but I have had complaints in recent times about the dangerous stretch of road."
The UUP's Derk Hussey said local police have indicated, albeit at the early stages of their investigation, that it appears that the accident was one of a coming together of most unlikely incidents at one time and one place which resulted in the fatal accident.
He said the usual issues of speed, road conditions, weather etc may not apply to this tragedy.
Allan Bresland extended his condolences to the Scott family.
Mr Hussey said, " This was a tragic accident, resulting in the death of Mrs Scott, that has shocked our entire community.
"I extend my own family's sincere sympathy to Mr Scott, the family and wider family circle on their loss," he added.
Mrs Scott, of 10 Burnderg Road, Douglas Bridge, died just a short distance from her home in a three-car collision.
Her devastated family heard the news just after 4pm. Son Allan said his mother, grandmother to nine children, had been visiting her sister in Ardstraw – a trip she makes each week – and was only 300 yards from their home.
Betty's blue Vauxhall Astra crashed with a Vauxhall Vectra and a silver Mazda near the Plumbridge junction of the A5 route. Two women in the Vectra were taken to hospital but their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The driver of the Mazda was in a critical condition in hospital while his female passenger was being treated for minor injuries.
Allan said, "She liked nothing better than the simple things in life such as her family, reading, knitting and doing jigsaws."
After getting married Betty worked in Herdmans Mill but gave it up to look after her children. In later years, after her children were raised, she returned to work in the kitchen of Newtownstewart Model PS.
Betty is survived by husband Willie, sons Allan, Raymond, Robert, daughters Wendy and Carol.
Police are investigating the collision and are appealing for anyone who witnessed it to come forward. They can be contacted at Strabane on 0845 600 8000.
