Safety plea after boy's 50ft fall at Dewsbury Scar

The mother of an 11-year-old boy who broke several bones after plunging 50ft down a ravine on his bicycle has called for better safety measures in the area.

Marcus Allison broke his foot and injured his arm after the accident at Dewsbury Scar in Thornhill near Dewsbury on Thursday.

His mother, Samantha Allison, said her son was lucky to be alive.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said the path had already been widened but that further safety work was planned.

As well as the ambulance service, two fire engines and a specialist unit were needed to rescue Marcus.

Ms Allison suggested that fencing be put around the area.

"Something needs to be done, desperately," she said.

The embankment at Dewsbury Scar has proved dangerous in the past.

Local youth Gemma Holland said she had to have three operations to repair the bones in her right arm which were shattered when she fell over the edge on her bike.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: "Work has previously taken place to widen the footpath along Dewsbury Scar and further safety measures are due to be implemented in the near future.

"No date has been set for the work to begin, but it will incorporate a handrail on a 30-metre stretch."