THE tragic death of eight-year-old Billy Dean has prompted calls for better traffic-calming measures for Stoneclough village.

Billy was walking past the Hare and Hounds pub in Market Street with his parents, Joe and Elaine, and brother Grant, on Saturday evening (Aug 24) when the accident happened.

He was struck by a motorbike after it collided with a red Porsche driven by a 42-year-old woman from Radcliffe.

Two people tried to resuscitate Billy, of Bridge Street, but he died soon after arrival at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The 39-year-old motorcyclist, who has not been named, was taken to hospital with multiple injuries and leg fractures. Witnesses have given statements about the speed the Suzuki 998 motorcycle was travelling before the collision.

The rider, who lives in Tyldesley, will be questioned by police when he leaves hospital.

Billy's family are still in shock and trying to come to terms with his death.

His father Joe (44) said: "Billy was a very happy, very popular boy who was full of life. My two sons have lost their best friend, the whole family are devastated. We have been touched by all that everyone in the village has done for us."

Mr Dean's sister, Sheila, said: "He was a beautiful boy and he had so many friends. You can tell that from all the floral tributes which people have brought."

Mr Dean added that Billy was a Bolton Wanderers fan and may be buried in his favourite team shirt. A funeral service will take place in Prestolee and he will be buried in Ringley.

Billy had two brothers Brett (18) and Grant (14) and the family were returning from watching one of them playing football at Stoneclough FC.

Villagers are now demanding more traffic-calming measures for the accident blackspot. Approximately £800,000 has already been spent on improvements in the last 12 months, but residents say measures such as speed humps are now needed.

Brian Price, landlord of the Hare and Hounds, said: "There have been a number of accidents over the past few years. Something needs to be done.

And resident Pat Burns, of Hazel Avenue, added: "Everyone around here is shocked by what has happened. It is a tragedy and something must be done to make sure it doesn't happen again."

The council carried out a consultation exercise following several accidents on the road, many linked to drivers not being able to see clearly, due to parked vehicles. A public meeting was held at Prestolee School, where Billy was a pupil, and plans drawn up to implement safety improvements at a cost of £800,000. The changes including a pelican crossing, waiting restrictions, and parking lay-by were completed earlier this year.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the tragedy which happened at 7.45pm on Saturday. Anyone with information should call Bolton police on 856 5973.