Work to help reduce accidents at a renowned main road blackspot looks set to start in the new year.

Broad End crossroads on the A47 at Walsoken near Wisbech is to get white lines and vehicle activated signs to help reduce collisions at a site that has claimed lives and seen scores of crashes in the last 20 years.

Fenland District Councillor David Patrick said: “I am delighted to learn from Elizabeth Truss MP for South West Norfolk that she has listened to the concerns of many Wisbech residents and the Walsoken Parish Council.

“The plan for white lines and the erection of posts for vehicle activated signs will start early in the New Year.

“Whilst residents may be disappointed that improved lighting at this junction and a roundabout will not be installed as many of us had called for, if such works prevent any further fatalities and serious accidents occurring at this dangerous junction, it will be a good start.

“As a local taxi driver who has crossed this junction many times I am fully aware of the dangers this crossing possesses especially when the flow of traffic is particularly heavy.

“Far too many people have been killed or seriously injured at this junction. Any measure that can be taken to help save lives must be considered invaluable.”

MP Steve Barclay said he wants safety measures, including better lighting and warning signs, to be installed as a matter of urgency.

“The junction has been the subject of an ongoing safety campaign for many years because of the accident record of deaths and life changing injuries in the past fourteen years.

“A total of 651 people have signed a Facebook petition and 506 have signed an e-petition launched by grieving Norfolk mum Bridget Wall whose son, 24-year-old Adam, was killed at the junction in November 2002.

“A further 381 have signed a paper petition calling for safety measures including a roundabout at the junction.”

Mr Barclay, MP for North East Cambs, said neighbouring MP Liz Truss was assured safety work would be done before Christmas, but has not yet been undertaken.

He also questioned the predicted cost of a roundabout scheme - the Highways Agency has estimated the roundabout will cost around £3 million, which Mr Barclay believes is high as a similar scheme on the A19/A63 Barlby Road in Yorkshire cost just £1.8 million.