THE family of a schoolgirl who died after being hit by a banned driver have welcomed traffic-calming measures on the street where she was hit.

Workmen have finished a multi-thousand pound scheme which they hope will ensure that the death of tragic 12-year-old Amy Houston is the last on Newfield Drive, Highercroft, Blackburn.

Amy (pictured left), who lived with her mother Joanne Cocker in Ravenglass Close, died after being hit by a car when she ran into the road in November, 2003.

At her inquest in 2004, area coroner Michael Singleton was told that the disqualified driver behind the wheel, failed Iraqi asylum seeker Aso Mohammed Ibrahim, was travelling at between 25mph and 40mph when he collided with Amy.

As part of the safety measures on the street, the 20mph zone which operates around much of the rest of the Highercroft area has been extended.

New speed humps have also been introduced, along with build outs' from the pavement which narrow the road, making it easier for people to cross.

Cars will also be banned from parking around the new build outs.

Existing build outs on the road had been obscured by residents parking around them, meaning that Ibrahim, who was jailed for four months following the incident for motoring offences, did not see Amy until she was in the road.

Today, Blackburn with Darwen Council confirmed work had been completed.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This scheme has been developed in consultation with the local neighbourhood and it is hoped will bring major improvements to the safety of the road and bring an end to the dangerous driving which plagued the area before it was installed.

"As part of this project local schools in the area have also been given the opportunity to take part in a drawing competition with the winning drawing being incorporated into the 20mph signage. Amy's grandmother, Maggie Houston, (below, left) of Russia Street, Accrington, said: "We're delighted they've completed the work at long last.

"All we have wanted since Amy's death is the reassurance that something would be done.

"Hopefully, no other children or families will suffer like Amy and we did. The road should have been part of the 20mph zone from the start."

Amy's family have already successfully campaigned for a promise of a new law. The new law, dubbed "Amy's Law" in Parliament, will create the offence of "causing death while driving unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured."

It will carry a penalty of up to two years in jail.