Toddler knocked down outside Bathgate nursery

A TODDLER had a lucky escape after she was knocked down at a pedestrian crossing in Bathgate.

The four-year-old girl was struck just yards from the front gate of Bathgate Early Years Centre and was taken to St John’s Hospital in Livingston with minor injuries.

The accident happened outside neighbouring St Mary’s Primary School on Menzies Road at around 12.30pm. It is understood police closed the road for a short time while the youngster received treatment from paramedics.

School janitor John Harrison, 45, said the toddler was lucky not to have been more seriously hurt.

He said: “The accident happened right on the crossing. I was inside at the time but heard the commotion.

“When I came out I saw the wee girl on the ground. The driver was a young girl in a silver car with learner plates. Thankfully the little girl was able to walk to the ambulance. It could have been a lot worse.”

An employee of the Bathgate Early Years Centre, who wished not to be named, added: “It’s a really busy road at the best of times never mind when both the school and nursery kids are leaving.

“You have to keep your wits about you when you’re crossing.”