Call for changes to 'dangerous' road where man died

Melvyn Coles died in a crash on the A361 in April

A woman is calling for changes to a "dangerous" road after her father-in-law died in a crash.

Police are investigating after Melvyn Coles died in a collision on the A361 at East Cranmore, Somerset, in April.

His daughter-in-law Emma Powell has started a petition calling for the speed limit to be lowered, speed cameras to be installed and lanes to be repainted.

"How many sisters, mums and dads do people have to lose until we change something?" Ms Powell said.

Paying tribute to Mr Coles, she said: "He was a huge family man. Nothing was too big of a deal for him, he would go above and beyond for anyone.

"He'd do anything for anyone."

There have been a number of fatal crashes on the stretch of the A361 between Tansey and Nunney Catch.

Emma Powell wants the speed limit to be lowered on the road

A young woman died there just over a week before Mr Coles' death.

Ms Powell has visited the road since her father-in-law's crash and said she had noticed lorries joining the A361 and having to build up speed, meaning other drivers could become impatient and try overtaking.

"It's just so dangerous. Cars are having to slam on their breaks," Ms Powell said.

"I think the speed limit should be drastically reduced, either along the whole road or that particular junction.

"The petition is to hopefully raise awareness for people to watch their driving, so they are aware of their surroundings, of other drivers.

"I want to help other families not have to go through the same thing I went through," she added.

'Detailed investigations'

Somerset Council said it was working with police who were investigating the crash.

A council spokesperson said: “This recent tragic collision is still subject to detailed investigations by Avon and Somerset Police and Somerset Council is working closely with the police to understand the circumstances.

"The investigation will result in detailed reports which may take some time to complete, and if there are any recommendations these are considered and where it might be deemed appropriate implemented in any works or projects on the Highways network.

“We would like to offer our condolences to Mervyn’s family at this difficult time."

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