The mum of a teenager who suffered lasting brain damage when he was hit by a car in Erith is thrilled that vital roadworks are finally taking place.

Bexleyheath Academy pupil Josh Collins was knocked down in Northend Road when he was just 12 years old, and suffered a fractured neck and skull.

Two-and-a-half years on, he is still undergoing speech therapy and suffers from memory problems, seizures and epilepsy.

Mum Nicola Collins, 45, told News Shopper: "Josh is still having treatment for his brain injury.

"His treatment is ongoing, but I am lucky to have him alive. I count my blessings."

Ms Collins was delighted to hear Bexley Council's announcement that work to improve junctions and pedestrian access in Northend Road will begin on February 8, lasting for five months.

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Northend Road, after the crash

She added: "I am really relieved to hear that they are going to put in more crossings.

"There have been too many people knocked down on that road.

"It's not just the broken bones, it's the brain injury and the ongoing impact."

Two signal-controlled crossings will be created at the junctions with Bridge Road and Colyers Lane.

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A new entrance to the Erith Park development will also be created at the Larner Road/South Road roundabout.

A Bexley Council spokesman said: "This will shorten journey times, cut congestion and provide safer crossing facilities for pedestrians."

During the works, Northend Road will be reduced from dual carriageway to single lane traffic, with 30mph speed restrictions in place.

Cabinet member for traffic and transport Coun Alex Sawyer said: "In recent years there has been significant growth in the area, and the amount of new homes means that the number of road users has increased.

"We need to support this regeneration and ensure that the area is accessible in the future, by investing in road improvements now.

"Public transport is critical. Unfortunately this does mean that, during the improvement work, there will be traffic congestion.

"We apologise for the short-term inconvenience, but the works will improve the flow of traffic in the longer term."

Northend Road will be open throughout the work and bus routes will not change. The improvements are mainly funded by Transport for London and developers.

For more information email engineringservices@bexley.gov.uk or click here.