A ROAD where a youngster was killed is to be targeted with Government cash to make it safer.

Kai Pong Wong, 13, had been in the country for only a month when he stepped out in front of a car in Openshaw Drive, Blackburn, and went crashing through the windscreen. He died the next day.

Now a £50,000 Government hand-out will bring improvements to the area just months after the tragedy.

It is one of two blackspots to get a total of £230,000 to cut the number deaths and injuries.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for regeneration, Coun Ashley Whalley, has welcomed the extra money which will help improve the roads which he described as "inadequate" in parts of the borough.

Under the two new schemes, Shadsworth will get £180,000 of the total hand-out.

The money has come from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and will be for measures including 20mph speed limits and road humps.

According to council figures, between 1995 and 2000, 37 people were injured in road accidents at Shadsworth, and an average of four children a year needed hospital treatment as a result of traffic accidents on the estate.

Openshaw Drive saw the death of Kai and 11 people injured in road accidents.

Kai, also known as Terry, had been walking to his new school when he was struck.

Coun Whalley said: "The Labour council puts a priority on road safety, particularly given the inadequate road system in parts of the borough.

"Residents in Shadsworth lobbied long and hard and engaged their councillors in pressing home the cause which we are delighted has been answered. The Openshaw Drive area is a notorious speed zone and this scheme will decrease the number of serious incidents in that area." Coun Whalley also pledged the council would continue to fight for extra cash to improve road safety in the borough.

He said: "As a council we will continue to apply for further funding to meet residents' needs in other parts of the borough."

During February and March consultation on the schemes is planned to take place with residents and business people in both areas, and work will begin by spring.

Picture: Openshaw Drive, where safety work will be carried out