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Brothers start project to halt speeders

After the tragic death of a family pet, two Fenwick brothers are asking the public one simple request; slow down on their street. Nearly two weeks ago, Conner and Sebastian McLeod were playing with their cat.

After the tragic death of a family pet, two Fenwick brothers are asking the public one simple request; slow down on their street.

Nearly two weeks ago, Conner and Sebastian McLeod were playing with their cat. Joy, who was the only surviving kitten from a litter they'd rescued, was raised from birth by the brothers. After being spooked by a passing car, the cat charged into the front yard and was struck by a speeding pickup – which did not stop.

Luckily, the two brothers did not run onto the road to catch her, but Joy eventually passed away once taken to a veterinarian clinic.

“When Joy passed, the boys were devastated,” Stef, the mother of the two boys, said. “They wanted to do something to help discourage speeders on the street.”

What they came up with were personalized signs urging motorists to slow down on their rural road. Dubbed 'Project Slow it Down', the brightly painted signs remind others that there are children on this street who do enjoy playing outside.

“Me and my brother are just trying to stop cars from speeding down this road,” said nine-year-old Conner. “We are hoping to keep kids safe and also their pets.”

Stef says the street has always suffered from speeders for as long as she's lived there. Time and time again, she witnesses people driving far above the speed limit, putting not only her children at risk, but the other numerous families that call Pancake Lane home. With numerous close calls, including one recent as Halloween, she hopes her boys ambitious project helps open some eyes in town.

“It's so disheartening what is happening. I know the problem is not only on our street. It happens everywhere in rural Pelham but we have to start somewhere to help fix this dangerous problem.”

She says a committee had been formed and had talked to the Town about a possible solution. Painting lines on the road was an option, while others called for speed humps, much like the ones on Haist St. Stef says despite the talks, no action has been taken, creating a dangerous situation for her family. She's hoping for a better police presence in the area – or at least more signs warning drivers of children at play.

For now, she relies on the smart-thinking of her two young boys, who've already received positive reviews from neighbours and honking strangers passing by.

“It's a great feeling seeing my kids take something tragic and make something so positive about it. At such a young age, they already understand the danger and consequences of speeding.”

Visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/projectslowitdown for more information.