'Relief' as work begins at notorious crossroads

Anne Venus has been campaigning for change since she was involved in an accident

Villagers who have campaigned for years to improve safety at an accident hotspot are celebrating as work begins.

Traffic lights are being installed at the A360 Black Dog crossroads, between Potterne and Littleton Panell in Wiltshire, which has been the site of a number of accidents.

Anne Venus, who was injured in a crash at the junction, said she has a "great sense of relief", adding: "After a long wait, hopefully there will be no more accidents."

Temporary traffic signals will be in operation on the A360 during the installation, which is just south of Devizes. Road closures during the works will affect Cheverell Road, Broadway, and the villages of Worton and Market Lavington.

Wiltshire Council decided to act after reviewing traffic collision data at the junction

Ms Venus, who lives in the nearby village of Great Cheverell, was driving along the A360 several years ago when a van collided with the side of her car, causing her severe whiplash.

She said: "The accident I had was so unexpected, with absolutely no real explanation for it.

"There was nothing else on the road except the one [van] which went into me. When it can happen that easily, it's the layout of the road causing the problem.

"We have been trying for the last five years to get something done because accident after accident keeps happening there. It's a very dangerous crossroads."

Campaigner Michael Maxwell said he feels "vindicated" that work has begun at the junction. "It's fantastic news," he said.

Road campaigner Michael Maxwell is pleased that action is being taken

Wiltshire Council reviewed recent collision data before making the decision to install traffic lights.

The work is expected to take around 13 weeks, excluding a period over Christmas.

Martin Smith, of Wiltshire Council, said: "This has been a hotspot on our list of junctions which need attention.

"The collision data has told us the main problem is people turning across the road.

"We are hoping this will mark a significant step forward in improving safety and traffic flow at that busy junction."