UPDATE 09/12/11: Police have now named the cyclist who died as 45 year-old Sarah Smith of Church Crescent in Essington.

Local residents have set up a Facebook petition calling on council officials to take action over what they call ‘hazardous conditions’ on Blackhalve Lane.

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A 45 year-old female cyclist suffered fatal injuries today (Wednesday 7th December) following a collision on Blackhalve Lane in Essington.

The collision, which happened at approximately 7:15am involved a white Mercedes Sprinter van, driven by a 40-year-old man from Walsall and the 45-year-old woman from Essington.

The driver of the Mercedes was uninjured during the collision. Sadly, the cyclist suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

South Staffs Police officers attended with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service and the road remained closed for just under four hours while police investigated the scene.

Formal identification is yet to take place and officers are supporting the cyclist’s family at this difficult time.

The driver of the Mercedes was arrested at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

Witnesses are asked to contact the investigating officer Sgt Chris Rodger on 101 quoting incident 113 of 7 December.

WV11.co.uk would like to extend our deepest condolences to the un-named woman’s family and friends.

The Local Neighbourhood Partnership and the North East Neighbourhood Safety Coordinator have managed to secure funding from the Small Retailers Capital Fund. This fund was launched by the Government to help retailers that may be impacted by the criminal effects of the economic downturn.

Almost £6,000 will be used to offer target hardening and security works to the shops on the corner of Long Knowle Lane and Blackhalve Lane and the scheme will also see the shops benefiting from a retail radio link. It is hoped that work will start in the next few weeks.