THE family of a teenager who died in a collision near the town centre almost 30 years ago have praised highways bosses for their care after a major road scheme - which will result in her memorial being relocated - got underway.
Kaye Pepper’s plinth on Old Mill Lane was set after her death at the age of 18 on July 13, 1996.
Barnsley Council’s road widening scheme at the location is being funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and will see the addition of a bus lane, cycle paths and the memorial’s relocation.
It will be moved further back and raised higher to accommodate the adjusted road and path.
Kaye’s mum Sue, from Worsbrough Dale, told the Chronicle: “We were upset when we first heard that the memorial would be moved.
“It’s difficult because that’s where she passed away.
“But we can’t fault the workers as they’ve been so kind and caring towards it.
“They’ve phoned up and asked us to be there every step of the way - at first when they were making the plans they said they weren’t going to move it until we were happy.
“They’re going to phone us on the day it’s moved so we can be there - that’s why we all wanted to say thank you.
“They’ve said if we’re not happy when it’s put up they’ll talk to us about changing it.
“Even the bus company has rang up to show support, and Barnsley Council have been to see us.
“Barnsley people have been so caring and kind - it’s never been damaged, there’s been no vandalism or anything, which is unusual for today.”
