A petition has been launched calling for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced on a road where a seven-year-old boy was tragically killed in a suspected hit-and-run.

Much-loved William Brown died after being struck by a vehicle on Sandgate Esplanade, near Folkestone, on December 6.

There is no suggestion speed was a factor – but Sandgate Parish Council is spearheading a campaign to reduce the 30mph limit on the road.

Earlier this week, the local authority launched a petition calling for the A259 Sandgate Hill, Sandgate High Street and Sandgate Esplanade to be set at 20mph.

More than 100 people have backed the petition so far – and anyone who wants to add their signature can access it here.

Parish council chairman Cllr Tim Prater Councillor says “20 is plenty for Sandgate”.

“To those asking why we are proposing a 20mph speed limit in Sandgate along the A259 and not a different speed: because we live here,” he said in an online post.

“Sandgate has been campaigning for this for more than 20 years. I've been doing so for more than 15 years. I do so on the spurious grounds of living and working on the high street.

“Like other Sandgate residents, I actually know the area, the speeds, the constraints, the law and the options. We watch two cars a week lose their wing mirror on the high street because people drive quickly and badly. We don't want 25mph, or 30, or anything else. 20 is plenty for Sandgate.

“We know our priorities. Recent events have not changed those. But they remind us why they are priorities.”

Lido Bon Vino at The Sandgate Hotel, is situated on Sandgate Esplanade and owner Alessandro Allegretti says he backs the idea.

“I am in favour 100%, and if I can help with my business I will,” he told KentOnline.

“I would say anywhere around here should already be a 20mph speed limit.”

William’s heartbroken family say the youngster was trying to retrieve a football close to his home when he was hit.

His devastated dad, William Snr, who had watched on helplessly during the CPR efforts, described his son as a “gentle” and “wonderful child”.

The community has rallied behind the grieving family, with a fundraiser for his funeral reaching more than £20,000 – double the target set.

While a date is yet to be confirmed for the service, William’s dad says everyone is invited, including those who are struggling.

The family are also seeking permission for their son to be laid to rest at the Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe graveyard in Folkestone, which was his “favourite place”, and where he regularly played.

Police say the fatal collision involved two vehicles – a grey Peugeot van and a red Citroen car.

The van left the scene in the direction of Hythe, before the arrival of emergency services.

On December 8, a man who had been arrested in connection with the incident was bailed for four months.

The 49-year-old was taken into custody at 5.15pm on December 7 – almost 24 hours after the schoolboy was knocked down and killed. He has now been released on bail until March 6.

If the 20mph petition gets to 1,000 signatures it will be debated locally. If it gets between 2,500 and 9,999 signatures, it will be debated at the appropriate cabinet committee.

After hitting 10,000 signatures or more, the petition will be debated by Kent County Council.