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Tributes paid to grandfather killed on road

Tributes were today paid to an 84-year-old man who died after being hit by a car – as a campaign was launched against speeding drivers along the Black Country road where he was hit.

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Tributes were today paid to an 84-year-old man who died after being hit by a car – as a campaign was launched against speeding drivers along the Black Country road where he was hit.

Great-grandfather-of-four Henry McMurtary died at New Cross Hospital on February 8 after a being hit by a car in Blaydon Road, Pendeford, Wolverhampton.

Mr McMurtary's eldest son Peter, aged 58, today said: "He was a real local man, who still did odd jobs for his neighbours despite being nearly 85.

"He used to make his own toys and furniture to sell at church bazaars and car boot sales, which is where most people will probably know him from.

"It was a terrible shock when we found out what happened."

Mr McMurtary, a former maintenance fitter for Cadbury's, leaves behind three children and four grandchildren, as well as his four great-grandchildren.

A petition has been launched demanding measures are introduced along Blaydon Road, which Mr McMurtary's relatives are supporting.

"I do feel that something should be done along that road. I stood along there recently and there is clearly a problem," added Peter, who now lives in Norfolk.

"There needs to be some speed humps, or something, to try and slow down the traffic. If they had it there my father might still be alive today."

A petition was launched by campaigner Andrew Coope, aged 55, of Clematis Drive, last week and has already collected 70 signatures.

A funeral for Mr McMurtary will be held at Bushbury Crematorium on Thursday at 2pm.

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