ROADWORKS are set to begin to improve the safety of the A350 in Lacock following a campaign to raise awareness following a number of deaths on the crossroads.

The roadworks, starting from September 12, were announced following a review by Wiltshire Council highways department. The initial phase of the works will see a signal controlled right turn implemented from the A350 into Mons Lane.

Philip Whitehead, cabinet member for highways, said: “We constantly monitor the collision rates on our roads and address any issues we can. We always have to balance any measures we put in place to ensure we don’t cause unnecessary delays.

“There have been some well-publicised issues at this junction, and this proposed work will help. As always though, I would urge people to drive safely and according to the conditions.”

Following the death of Darren Honeyball, a 40-year-old Melksham man, on February 28, Kim Seviour of Melksham started a petition calling for Wiltshire Council to change the marking of the junction. After receiving over 2,000 signatures Wiltshire Council carried out the review on the road.

Deputy chairman of Lacock Parish Council, John Boldon, said: “We are feeling somewhat aggrieved at the moment as we and the residents here were not consulted by Wiltshire Council about this.

“They are going ahead with the scheme that originated two years ago. It would appear that they have not taken into account the coroner’s report as that has not been issued yet.

“We are having a meeting this week and we are likely to make a written response to Wiltshire Council over this.”

As well as the death of Mr Honeyball, three other deaths had occurred over the last three years at the same spot on the A350, one of which took place just two months before.

To facilitate the changes to the road, the carriageway will be widened into the western verge to make enough room for a right turn lane. Road markings will also be improved at the merge points on the exit from the signals on the A350.

After the changes have taken place, Wiltshire Council will be monitoring the road to assess if any other improvements will need to be carried out.