Charlie Harris: Still in schoolfriends' thoughts

10:30pm Thursday 25th September 2008

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CHARLIE Harris, the five-year-old who was tragically killed after being hit by a car is still very much in the thoughts of his schoolfriends, said his headteacher this week.

Charlie died a year ago, on September 21, 2007, following the accident in Cockpit Road, Great Kingshill, as he walked home from school with his mother.

The 30mph stretch of road had no footpath, and the car was later found to be travelling at speeds of 47mph.

David Mear, who was 19 at the time, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Roger Dodds, headteacher of Great Kingshill Combined School, said: “Charlie’s still very much in everybody’s thoughts. We had some quiet time and said prayers for him on Friday.”

Cockpit Road now has a new footpath, with other measures, in place and planned, to make the area safer for schoolchildren.

And Charlie’s schoolmates can enjoy a new ‘den’ built in his memory.

Mr Dodds explained that new, dedicated parking slots were available for parents to use in Cryers Hill. Zig-zag markings are also about to marked outside the school to help control traffic, and children are encouraged to wear yellow flourescent jackets to and from school.

He said: “It’s all part and parcel of the same scheme that had the Cockpit Road footpath put in.”

Nearly £6,000 was raised for Charlie’s memorial appeal, which was split between Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the school.

Mr Dodds said: “We have had built an outside classroom, which is called ‘Charlie’s Den’, and it’s big enough for children to use during the nice weather.

“It’s just a fantastic facility. It’s blue, which was Charlie’s favourite colour. It’s a really nice, lasting memory for Charlie.”

The new pavement along Cockpit Road was in use from the first week of September, but Cath Macleod, of Great Kingshill Residents Association explained there was more work to do.

She said: “We’re pleased that the pavement has been put in place, and we continue to work with the county council, parish council and police to monitor speeds in the area.”

She noted many factors contributed to the accident, and projects were ongoing to make Great Kingshill’s roads safer.

Mrs McLeod said: ”Our work continues and it’s still our highest priority as a residents association.

“Our thoughts still remain with the family of Charlie Harris.”

Charlie left parents Neil and Tracey Harris, and younger sister Maisie.