Fatal smash sparks road safety calls

Shropshire residents today called for action after one person was killed and another seriously injured in two crashes within 24 hours on the same road.

Villagers in Upton Magna, near Shrewsbury have been campaigning for more than two years for improvements to be made to the B5062 near the Haughton and Withington crossroads.

Now they are stepping up their campaign after a motorcyclist was killed in a collision outside their homes on Sunday and another person airlifted to hospital after another crash on Monday afternoon.

Clare Horgan, who lives within 100 yards of the main road, called for measures to be put in place to improve safety.

She said: "There was a spell over the summer two years ago when there were five separate accidents here.

"It was then I decided to write to other residents to suggest they made a representation to the traffic authorities.

"What makes me angry is that residents here said there would be a fatality two years ago and not enough has been done. We have now had two serious accidents in less than 24 hours and someone has been killed.

"We have seen small changes to the signage and white lines on the roads but the problem is the bend and dip in the road."

She said: "We would like to see a mandatory 40mph speed limit and no overtaking allowed."

But campaigners have had further problems getting action with one side of the crossroads the responsibility of Shropshire Council and the other looked after by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Alice Dilly, Shropshire Council's principal engineer, said:"Works currently proposed include the renewal of the slow markings on the approaches to the crossroads. However, we will continue to work with the police to determine whether any further highway works are to be considered."