THE death of her much-loved moggie 'Smudge' was the last straw for 10 year-old Jessica House.

The Glasson Dock youngster decided something needed to be done to make the roads safer and she took her protest direct to the politicians.

Putting pen to paper she told them in no uncertain terms: "I would like something done about it NOW! Loads of animals have been killed due to careless driving.

"Next time it could be a human being." Jessica claims that commuters using Tithebarn Lane often exceed the speed limit, especially when workers at a local factory change shifts.

Her letter was sent to the parish council and then passed on to highway chiefs at the County Council.

The senior councillor responsible for Lancashire's roads, Cllr Nora Ward, was so impressed by young Jessica's efforts that she volunteered to receive the letter in person and see for herself the problems encountered by Glasson Dock residents.

Lancaster South county councillor David Wood said: "Jessica may only be 10 years old but she's been an excellent ambassador for Glasson.

"When the bridge in the village was renewed there used to be a rail that stopped larger vehicles using this route but that has not been replaced so it's become busier.

"When her cat was killed Jessica felt so strongly about it that she put her concerns down on paper and took it to the parish council who passed it on to me.

"When Nora Ward saw the letter she was very impressed and intrigued that a 10 year old was so articulate and full of ideas and asked to meet her.

"When we met her face-to-face she wasn't fazed and talked very sensibly about what needed to be done.

"She's a credit to the local community."

Thurnham Parish Councillor, Karen Galloway, explained the problems experienced by local residents and said: "Traffic travels along Tithebarn Hill at speeds which are not consistent with the safety of the residents.

"Whilst this happens throughout the day there are periods when the danger is particularly acute, when the shift changes at the local factory

The parish council has asked that action be taken immediately."