Tributes paid as Black Country businesswoman named as crash victim
A woman killed when she was hit by a car in the Black Country has been named as a well-known local businesswoman.
Jennifer Batty, 59, died after being hit by a silver Vauxhall Insignia in Amblecote, near Brierley Hill, on Friday..
Ms Batty is understood to have run a school uniform shop in Kingswinford and was a well-respected member of the local community.
Her family have now paid tribute to her, saying: "Jennifer was a much-loved wife, daughter, sister, auntie and successful local businesswoman.
"She was a devoted animal lover and was extremely well thought of in the community.
"The family are absolutely devastated and have asked that their privacy be respected at this very sad time."
Ms Batty is reported to have been walking her dog when the crash happened at the junction of Brettell Lane and Audnam shortly before 7am.
Tributes have poured in online, with more than 150 people paying their respects in response to a post from The Maverick pub on Amblecote High Street.
"It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform all our Maverick Friends that today Jenny has sadly passed away," the pub wrote.
"She was involved in an accident whilst walking her beloved dog Rebel, this morning.
"Jenny, you did so much to help everyone! Amblecote has lost a very loved friend and much respected lady. You will be missed by so many."
Detectives from West Midlands Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the collision to come forward.
A 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released pending further enquiries.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw the collision or has dash-cam footage, and who has not yet spoken with officers.
Pc Dave Crump, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "I am really keen to trace a witness who was also driving along Audnam and approaching the traffic lights junction with Brettell Lane and High Street.
"They would have been passed by a silver-coloured Vauxhall Insignia just before the collision and it’s likely they continued onto High Street and in the general direction of Stourbridge."
Anyone with information can contact collision investigators on fl_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101 and quoting log number 482 of December 18.
