Roundabout plan at crossroads plagued by crashes

Stewart Huxley, who lives nearby, said the roundabout "has to be done"

Plans have been drawn up to build a roundabout at a crossroads plagued by crashes described by a local MP as one of the most dangerous in the Midlands.

The crossroads, on the A483 at Llynclys, has been plagued by crashes, with one local resident saying he has helped people after "endless accidents".

National Highways announced the plan at a public meeting on Thursday with more than 140 attendees, after residents and North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan campaigned for a clampdown on speeding drivers.

Joseph Walmsley, National Highways (NH) route manager, said his team was working hard to find the "most appropriate option" for the crossroads, on the main route between Oswestry and the Welsh border.

Stewart Bexley who lives next to the crossroads, said the roundabout "has to be done".

"The problem is, 37 years ago that because of the traffic, a bypass was required," he told the BBC.

"We still haven't got a bypass. But that volume of traffic has grown tenfold.

"Nothing has been done to reduce it, and it's getting busier."

Mr Walmsley said the NH plan was in its early stages, and comes after staff worked with local authorities on ways to improve safety in the area.

'Real progress'

"Safety is always our number one priority and we have been working hard to find the most appropriate option for this busy crossroads which will benefit road users and local residents," he said.

Lib-Dem MP Morgan has long campaigned for improvements at the crossroads.

She told the BBC: "We've definitely had real progress. This is the first time we've seen any detailed planning.

"We've also got plans for improving safety for alongside the route and we know its moving up the priority list in terms of issues for across the midlands.

"You can never be 100% sure that the government is going to allocate money to the scheme.

"But I'll certainly be pushing as hard as I can to make sure we get the funding for it."

Jason Andrews urged ministers to act quickly

Jason Andrews, a resident from Pant, which is close to the crossroads, said serious action needed to be taken.

He told the BBC: "I live in Pant and walking down the A483, trying to come out onto the A483, trying to get through Llynclys, it's dangerous, it just needs some action really quick.

"I think it's getting local traction, it's getting parliamentary traction, but it's a slow process and it'll take time but hopefully we're heading in the right direction."

Speaking to ministers he added: "Do something, quick, please, for everybody."

'There is no speed camera'

Paula Griffiths, also from Pant, said she has almost been knocked over about 20 times.

She said: "I think for me, my biggest issue is actually the road speed through Pant because I live on that road and it's a living nightmare, and unless you've actually witnessed it and seen it, you won't believe it.

"I come off my drive, I get overtaken by wagons, buses - it's just horrendous.

"And you need speed cameras, because even if there was 30 mile zone signs it wouldn't stop them, because there's no deterrent."

She said while there are speed camera signs, there is no speed camera in the area.

"The drivers that come through have got no respect for the village, no respect for the people that are on those pavements or children or the elderly or other conscientious drivers," she added.