A MUM has launched a campaign to try and get Millom to become the first town in the county to install a whole town speed limit of 20mph.

Sophie Pedley has launched the campaign after her five-year-old son Noah was knocked down by a car just 200m from his home while playing with friends.

The 27-year-old of Festival Road believes Millom could be the first town in Cumbria to be completely restricted to 20mph if her grassroots campaign is a success.

She said: "It was about 6pm and Noah was walking back from getting some sweets from his Nana's house. He and his friends wanted to get to the green to play football."

Crossing the road with his cousin and other friends a car travelling up Festival Road, under the speed limit, was forced to break sharply to avoid the boys.

Noah's cousin who was in front of the car was not hit, but as the young boy followed him, he was clipped by the wing mirror and knocked down.

He was taken back to his Nana's house close by Mrs Pedley's sister, who was also nearby, rushed to get her.

Mrs Pedley said: "I was just thinking is he OK. I just had to get there. I had no shoes on and sprinted to where he was. I just ran straight in to see him."

The youngster suffered cuts and bruises across one side of his body, and had sustained a nasty knock to his head.

Paramedics arrived within minutes and he was taken to FGH where the wound on his head was glued shut.

Fortunately Noah was not seriously hurt however the incident has hit very close to home for for the Millom mum.

She hopes to generate enough local support before going before the county council with her speed reduction proposal.

She has already got the backing from town mayor Jane Micklethwaite and ward councillor Jack Park.

He said: "I think a 20mph limit for all of the estate and Millom should be put in place as soon as possible, and, should be enforced as well.

"There are two play areas on this estate and very often footballs might get kicked into the road. If a kid runs out to get their ball, they would not stand a chance."

Mrs Pedley said if anyone in Millom would be interested in supporting her campaign, to contact her through the Around the Combe Facebook group, found here.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council encouraged residents concerned about road safety to get in touch with the local highways team. They can contact the Copeland team by emailing

betterhighways.copeland@cumbria.gov.uk.