Crossing call after woman's death

The family of a woman who died on her 87th birthday after being hit by a milk float have said if a crossing had been in place she might have lived.

Esther Castaneda, who lived in a retirement flat at Castle Court, Tonbridge died crossing Hadlow Road near the junction with Garden Road.

"Perhaps with a crossing on the Hadlow Road she might have lived to enjoy her 88th birthday," the family said.

Kent County Council (KCC) said a crossing was being installed next year.

Mrs Castaneda was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on 12 November.

Her family, who did not want to be named, said in a statement they sincerely hoped the crossing would be installed as soon as possible.

"All the residents of Castle Court are very aware of the dangers involved in crossing this very busy road and campaigned for a crossing," they said.

Active person

They said "much loved" Mrs Castaneda had moved to Tonbridge from Ramsgate two-and-a-half years ago to be with her daughter, son-in-law and two adult grandchildren.

"She embraced the move and never once regretted it," they said.

"She thoroughly enjoyed her new life and was an active person.

"She still drove her car but liked to stay fit and would regularly walk to the town centre along Hadlow Road."

Kent County Council expressed its condolences to Mrs Castaneda's family.

But it said Kent Police's initial investigation into the accident had found there were no highways issues.

"A pedestrian crossing is planned for Hadlow Road and is due to be built in the New Year," said a spokesman.

"This was the subject of a public consultation earlier this year.

"The location was agreed after taking into account residents' views."

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