Shropshire Star

Wrekin Retail Park tragedy: Telford pensioner was 'best neighbour you could have'

A pensioner who died after being struck by a van at a Telford retail park has been described as "the best neighbour" anyone could ever wish for.

Published

Janet Lane, 73, was crossing the road at Wrekin Retail Park when she suffered multiple injuries.

Her neighbour of 40 years Helen Lathan, 83, today spoke of her shock when she learned of the tragedy which unfolded at the shopping centre on November 22.

Paying tribute, Mrs Lathan, of Woodhouse Crescent, Trench, said: "She was the best neighbour anyone could have had. We were very fond of each other. I've was already living here when she moved in with her family 40 years ago. Her children were about the same age as mine so we had quite a lot in common.

Emergency services on the scene at Wrekin Retail Park

"Her passing away like that has come as a big shock to me. She was very active and I knew her daily routines. Mondays she would go into the town centre, Tuesday she would take her daughter to the retail park, Wednesdays she would do her shopping.

"We both have dogs so in the evenings we would take them for a walk before saying goodnight and if she didn't see me she would phone to see how I was getting along. I will miss her terribly."

The mother of two daughters and a son was born in Knighton, Powys. She suffered serious injuries when she was struck by the Volkswagen van.

Tributes have also flooded in to the Shropshire Star's Facebook page.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.