Silent vigil held in Bearsden after cyclist Una Brandreth killed in lorry crash as residents call for action

Residents have held a silent vigil in East Dunbartonshire calling for action from the council after a cyclist was killed in a lorry crash.

Locals in Bearsden held the event on Tuesday, one week on from the death of 56-year-old Una Brandreth from the Stafford area of England.

The mother was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision with a lorry on Manse Road on the morning of March 19.

The male driver of the HGV was not injured in the collision.

A statement from Ms Brandreth’s family, issued by Police Scotland, read: “Una was a much-loved sister, mother, and daughter, and will be much missed by everyone who knew her.

“We are asking for privacy at what is a very difficult time for us all as we come to terms with our loss.

“We would like to say that we are massively grateful to all the emergency services that were involved in this tragic incident and to everybody else that stopped to help Una.”

Una Brandreth was killed in the Bearsden crash on March 19. Police Scotland

Nearly 2,000 people have signed an online petition calling for improved road safety in the area after a spate of incidents.

Angela Bellmooney, who set up the petition, said: “In the span of ten days there have been three serious traffic accidents in Bearsden involving pedestrians or cyclists being knocked down.

“On Boxing Day 2019, a family of six were mowed down on Manse Road with one person being killed.

“There will have no doubt been many more near misses.”

Campaigners claim there is only one traffic safety measure on Manse Road, where the cyclist died – a flashing warning sign signalling to cars going too fast.

They claim it was “covered by hedges” and had been not been “functioning properly” over the past two years.

“Mangled barriers” at nearby Bearsden Cross were described as “another reminder of dangerous driving and poor traffic management”.

Residents gathered in Bearsden in a call for action to the council Alistair McKenzie

Ms Bellmooney added: “The first duty of a local council is community safety.

“Parents and residents have repeatedly called on the council to take action but to date the response has been dismissive and inadequate.

“We pay our council taxes expecting better than this for our community but at the moment, our council’s inaction is simply a dereliction of duty.

“We urge East Dunbartonshire Council to take action and fully commit to making our streets and roads safer.”

Ann Davie, chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We will continue to liaise with Police Scotland and assist as required.”

Police said enquiries into the incident were ongoing.

The council said it will continue to liaise with Police Scotland. Alistair McKenzie

Sergeant Chris Hoggans, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Una’s family and friends.

“We are asking anyone who has not yet spoken to officers but who may have information that can help with our investigation, such as dash-cam footage, to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0590 of Tuesday, March 19, 2024.