A FATHER whose 10-year-old daughter was killed by a speeding driver has welcomed a new speed camera in the Nelson road where she was run over.

Mohammed Aslam spoke at a public meeting called by Whitefield Councillor Ashan Mahmood who hailed the camera in Carr Road as a victory for "people power".

The fixed camera will replace a temporary camera which was previously in use on the road, where 10-year-old Shaista Aslam was hit by a speeding driver in May 1999, just yards from her home in Milton Street.

She was carried on the bonnet of the car before landing in the road and died six days later in hospital from head, leg and internal injuries.

In October 2000 Judge Raymond Bennett told Burnley Crown Court that if the driver had been going at the proper speed, the girl would not have lost her life. Evidence was presented to court that suggested the driver had been travelling at more than 56mph.

Coun Mahmood, along with County Councillor Colin Waite and Mr Aslam, campaigned for several months to have a camera permanently installed at the site.

Mr Aslam, of Milton Street, told the meeting: "I have seen at first hand the devastation speeding cars can do on this area of Carr Road.

"I want to thank on behalf of all the residents of Whitefield the constant support and lobbying Coun Mahmood has done on our behalf."

Coun Mahmood said: "I was always determined to use my offices as a councillor to help the local residents achieve their aim of stopping any further fatalities in this area.

"I want to thank those people and in particular County Councillor Colin Waite for his support."