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Mother feels 'blanked' by council over road safety pleas following son's murder in Ilkeston
Overview
Loraine Wilson, whose 26-year-old son Samuel Wilson was murdered when Zac Newman drove a van into a group in Ilkeston's Market Place in December 2023, has stated she feels ignored by Derbyshire County Council regarding her campaign for improved road safety measures. Despite a petition with over 7,000 signatures calling for basic safety improvements such as permanent bollards and cameras, Wilson reports a lack of meaningful action or response from the council over two and a half years. Derbyshire County Council stated it did not wish to comment before speaking to the family, while local MP Adam Thompson has also expressed frustration over months of inaction.
Key points
- Samuel Wilson was killed in December 2023 after Zac Newman drove a van into a group of people in Ilkeston's Market Place.
- Zac Newman was convicted of murder at Derby Crown Court in July 2024 and jailed for a minimum of 24 years.
- Loraine Wilson has campaigned for over two years for basic safety measures, including permanent bollards and cameras.
- A petition supporting safety improvements in the Market Place has gathered over 7,000 signatures.
- Erewash MP Adam Thompson has backed the campaign and expressed frustration over months of silence and inaction from Derbyshire County Council.