Shropshire Star

Roundabout needed at Ludlow blackspot

Action must be taken at an accident blackspot after another death on the notorious stretch – but removing a layby will not help, a councillor has said.

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The stretch of the A49 through Woofferton, south of Ludlow desperately needs either a roundabout or traffic lights, Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South has said.

Her comments have come after a motorcyclist died following a crash with a 4x4 there on May 27, the latest in a long line of serious accidents at Woofferton, which has a crossroads with multiple routes all linking onto A49 main road over a short stretch.

The stretch is currently being resurfaced during night time closures and Highways England is planning on removing a layby there in the coming months.

But Councillor Parry said the layby is needed for buses and agricultural vehicles and its removal will not help safety there.

She said: "They're talking about taking that out and putting a slip road into the Salway Arms. This isn't going to help. What we need is a roundabout there or some lights but they have point blank refused." She said there had been multiple deaths and dozens of serious accidents at the spot over the years.

James Wildman, speaking for Highways England, said: "The lay-by on the A49 southbound will be removed in the next few months. Safety is our top priority, so we regularly monitor and review the safety of all of our roads, including the A49, and welcome suggestions from local people."