A MAN has taken to wearing a Deadpool costume in an attempt to make drivers slow down after tragedy hit.
Mark Spaven, 59, is taking the unusual action after his beloved cat, Groot, was struck and killed by a suspected speeding motorist two weeks ago.
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The Nottinghamshire man says people have been whizzing down Cavendish Drive in Carlton for years.
He has decided to take to the streets as the comic book anti-hero Deadpool, although he promises not to slice anyone’s head off.
As part of his outfit he has a handmade sign that says ‘slow down please’.
Mark told the Nottingham Post: “I’m going to be going up and down dressed as Deadpool.
“I’m seriously considering it if nothing’s done. I’m not just doing it because I’m upset about the cat, there are kids that walk around here.”
The warehouse leader added that his wife had been in a “right mess” following the death of their two-year-old cat.
He added: “A witness said the driver was speeding.
“One of the neighbours held him until he died. My wife came in while I was at work, I thought ‘this is strange’, she was a right mess.”
Mark claimed drivers came speeding along Cavendish Drive in order to avoid the traffic lights at Carlton Square and sometimes went as fast as 50mph.
He said he has had three near-misses over the past three years.
Referring to one recent incident he said: “They must’ve been doing nearly 40 or 50mph, I was crossing to the Tesco, I look left, right and behind.
“The car stopped about two feet away from my leg.
“I don’t know whether they feel as if they have got to beat the lights or something.
“Taxis also wait to pick people up from Tesco so you’re having to walk in the middle of the road.
“I recently distributed leaflets all around the community and it was surprising how many people who came out the door and said they nearly got hit. It’s only a short little drive.”
Mark wants Nottinghamshire County Council to reduce the speed limit on the road from 30mph to 20mph and he backed by Gedling MP Michael Payne.
The Labour politician said he had written to the council to support Mark and the residents.
He said: “I was very sorry to hear of Mark’s cat, Groot, being killed by a suspected speeding driver.
“Speeding and any form of dangerous driving is completely unacceptable.
“I have written to Nottinghamshire County Council in support of the residents who are demanding a 20mph speed limit in the area, and have notified Nottinghamshire Police to investigate and consider further measures to catch these reckless drivers in Carlton.
“Mark’s experience shows that speeding is not a victimless act.
“To those speeding drivers I say: stop putting yourself and others at risk, because you will get caught and be made to face the consequences.”
The Sun Online has contacted Nottinghamshire County Council for comment.
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