Rhoose primary school looks to future after car crash

The crash in June injured five children and four adults outside Rhws Primary

The Vale of Glamorgan community stunned by a car crash that left five children and four adults injured says it is looking to the future two months on.

The victims were taken to hospital when the car overturned outside Rhws Primary School in Rhoose on 20 June.

School lollipop lady Karin Williams is still recovering from several broken bones.

She has been hailed a hero and residents are calling for her to be recognised for her actions.

The 50-year-old already been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award and a Facebook page calling for a bravery award for her has been backed by nearly 5,000 people.

"We are still thinking of her, because she is such a popular face around the village," said the assembly member Eluned Parrott, whose children go to the school.

"People think of her as a real hero, after we heard how she tried to step out and protect the children.

"The children love her to bits and we are all hoping that she gets well soon."

It is expected that Mrs Williams will remain in hospital for another month.

Karin Williams is still in hospital recovering from her injuries

Community response

Mrs Parrott, the Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales Central, said the whole village had been touched by the events in June.

The incident happened as motorist Robert Bell, 61, was taking his granddaughter to the school in the morning, when his car flipped on to its roof at the road crossing.

He later said he had been coughing before he lost consciousness in the collision.

South Wales Police are still investigating but the force said at the time that it was not being treated as a deliberate act.

Mrs Parrott said the whole community was now looking forward to the future and the start of the new term in September.

"It has been pretty amazing how the community has responded to what happened.

"They have done what they can to get back to normal, and felt that there was a need to give the children a sense of normality.

"The school has worked really hard to do that - to make sure that they are settled."

The AM said the school was lucky to have such an "inspirational group of teaching staff" and praised acting head teacher, Jan Morgan.

"She has been wonderful, the way she stepped in has been really impressive."

A crash investigation is still under way by South Wales Police

On Friday evening, people in Rhoose are also looking forward to a fundraising event to help the school.

The Chaos @ The Castle concert at Fonmon Castle and sold out its 500 tickets in five days.

Local singer Jamie Bagnall, whose band Brother Steve will be performing, had the idea.

Sarah Louise James, who has a child at the school, helped organise the event with friend Joanne Wain.

"The support from the village has just been brilliant," said Mrs James.

"Everyone wanted to do something for the school but they didn't know what they could do, so this is really raising their spirits.

"It has been overwhelming, we just can't believe how much support we have had."