A CAMPAIGN has been launched calling for better barriers at Battery Park after a dog was killed when it ran out of a gate.

Staff at the Little Paws pet grooming shop on Eldon Street rushed to help the dog, which had been on a lead, before it managed to break free.

It ran into the path of a bus on the busy road, was struck and died.

Michelle Clifford, who works at Little Paws with her brother Andrew and sister Elaine Dickinson, pictured, who owns the business, has now started an online campaign calling for improved safety measures.

She said: "We are looking for any way possible to try and make that area safer.

"I work across from the park and I’ve seen so many near misses and accidents.

"It’s only a matter of time before there is a serious accident involving cars there.

"I’m determined to make some kind of difference there for everyone’s safety."

Michelle has set up the 'Safety in the Battery Park' Facebook page, which calls for urgent action from the council.

She said: "The same thing happened to me almost three years ago in the same spot with that same middle gate.

"My dog Mysti slipped the lead and on running back towards the shop she was ran over by a large car and was instantly killed.

"I saw the whole thing happen and there was nothing I could do to prevent it.

"This is the main reason I am doing this - I know how that family feels."

Michelle has asked local people for ideas on how safety could be improved at the site.

One of the early suggestions is the installation of spring loaded slow release gates on the three gates facing on to the main road.

Michelle said: "We are more than willing to fundraise to pay for the improvements, it's just the permission we need.

"We are hoping by doing this the council will be more open to helping."

A council spokesman said they are keen to hear more about the campaign and the suggestions put forward.

He said: "Battery Park is probably the busiest park in Inverclyde so any major changes to the way people can get in and out would require proper consultation.

"We would be happy to listen to any suggestions."