Kyle Coen, 14, from Sittingbourne, was killed in a hit-and-run in Bapchild

by Hayley Robinson

The death of teenager Kyle Coen has led to the call for speed cameras to be installed between Teynham and Bapchild.

The 14-year-old died last week after being knocked off his bike by a hit-and-run driver.

He was on his way to see girlfriend Donna Clarke when the crash happened outside Bapchild Cricket Club, in London Road.

The teen's death prompted married dad-of-three Leon Collins, pictured left, to start the campaign.

He is also calling for the speed limit to be reduced on the stretch of road which runs from just past the Hempstead House Hotel, in Bapchild, to just before Fowler-Welch, Teynham.

The petition was only placed in local shops last Thursday, but within six days 330 people had already signed.

The 30-year-old, of London Road, Teynham, said: "It wasn’t just Kyle’s death that prompted the petition. There are accidents along there almost every week, even if it's just bumper shunts.

"I'd like to see a camera as you're coming into Teynham from Faversham and another at the Teynham end of Bapchild.

"The reaction I’ve had has been mostly positive although I did have one business refuse to take the petition.

"I also had one man walk up to me and start swearing at me. I didn’t know him, but he clearly knew me and that I’d started the petition.

"He was saying people should be able to do what they want on the roads as they pay their taxes, but I cut him off saying I have three kids and I don’t want them hit by someone like him flying through the village.

"I’ve not approached Kent County Council yet. I want to get between 800 and 1,000 signatures before I do, then I can show that I’ve got support for it."

Floral tributes left where Kyle Coen was knocked down in Bapchild

The petition can be found in Crispin’s fish bar, Diva hairdressers, The Co-op, The Dover Castle Inn, and Costcutter, all of which are in Teynham. It is also available to sign at the burger van at Wickes car park, in Cryalls Lane, Sittingbourne.

A 27-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, arrested in connection with the crash, have been released on bail.

They will return to a Kent police station at a later date.