Calls for safety work at 'crash blackspot'

MPs, councillors, school leaders and a pub landlord have joined forces to call for safety improvements at a Shropshire road junction described as an accident blackspot.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has written to the transport secretary Heidi Alexander urging the government to fund a redesign of the Llynclys Crossroads on the A483.

A decision on which projects will be funded under the government's third Road Investment Strategy is expected in the coming weeks.

Morgan, Liberal Democrat, said ministers had the opportunity to commit to the work "before the unthinkable happens".

In November, National Highways announced that plans had been drawn up for a roundabout at the junction.

"The community is on board, National Highways are on board, all we need is for the government to commit the funds," said Morgan.

She added that crashes happened at the junction "on an almost weekly basis".

Her letter has been signed by neighbouring MP Steve Witherden, as well as local councillors and headteachers from nearby schools, including the Marches School and Bryn Offa Primary School.

Celine Keleher, the headteacher at Bryn Offa, said: "The safety of our children, families and staff must always come first."

She added: "Our children even shared their concerns by writing letters which they took to London. Securing government funding to improve safety at this junction must be a priority for the wellbeing of our children and the wider community."

Pub landlord Steve Sant also backed the campaign. His venue, the White Lion, overlooks the junction and staff have previously helped crash casualties before emergency services arrived.

Morgan added: "We know that a bypass is highly unlikely, so the plans developed by National Highways represent the best way forward for all those who drive, walk and cycle through the area."

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