GAZETTE & HERALD: A SCHOOLGIRL from Calne is in a stable condition in hospital after suffering head injuries when she was hit by a pickup truck while crossing the road.

Ellie Horne, seven, from Abberd Way, was walking to the Tuesday Club at the Gospel Hall on Oxford Road between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Her father, Peter, 53, went with the ambulance to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon before Ellie was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford because of her brain injuries.

Mr Horne said Ellie had suffered a broken leg, facial injuries and a fractured cheekbone.

He said: "My nextdoor neighbour had come in and told me my daughter had been knocked down.

"I found her on the grass verge and she was being helped by other people.

"The paramedics were absolutely fantastic and the people at Swindon hospital were absolutely brilliant.

"She's stabilised more than anything but she's still not out of the woods."

Mr Horne said he was angry there were no traffic calming measures on Abberd Way. "People have been shouting about the cars and the speed across the road. We were told we could have one speed bump," he said.

Local resident and town councillor, Roy Golding, said he would be speaking to Michael Ancram MP on Friday about the issue. He said last year plans were in place and money was available for a single speed bump.

"The money and the plans are in place and county are saying they won't do one in isolation. Because of that attitude we have a little girl in hospital."

A spokesperson from Wiltshire County Council said: "The site has not been turned down for traffic calming measures but we have put several schemes to Calne Town Council."

Corsham Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Contact PC Mark Finister on (01249) 716564.