Fatal crash sparks calls for improved road safety

Locals say "there are things that can be done to create a safer environment"

Residents have called for urgent action to improve a "nightmare" road after four men died following their car crashing into a tree.

Gloucestershire Police said officers came across a black Renault Clio on the A436 in Ullenwood, near Cheltenham, while on patrol at about 02:00 BST on Sunday.

Officers have now contacted the men's next of kin. Gloucestershire County Council confirmed a review would take place.

"Every six months somebody goes through the fence," said Ann Townsend, 81, who has lived next to the road her whole life.

People are urging the council to improve the road by installing speed cameras, improving signage and reducing the speed limit from 50mph.

County councillor Paul Hodgkinson said: "There are things that can be done to bring a safer environment.

The crash happened on the A436

"You have a very windy road, a lot of traffic and junctions coming onto the road where visibility is quite compromised.

"That's why we think lowering the speed limit would be a good idea.

"Those of us who live locally have repeatedly raised our concerns about safety along this road," he said.

He said cutting back the vegetation on the junctions and changing their layouts would also "really help".

Mrs Townsend described it as a nightmare road.

She said: "[I've raised concerns] all the time, but nothing is ever done.

"It's very upsetting what happened."

Ann Townend says 'nothing is ever done' despite raising concerns

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said: “It would be wrong to jump to any conclusions during an ongoing investigation.

"As with any incident of this kind we will conduct a review along with other agencies and take the necessary action where needed.”

Superintendent Roddy Gosden urged anyone with information about the collision or dashcam footage to contact officers.