A CAMPAIGN to improve road safety across Fenland has taken a large step forward after testing began to possibly install a barrier at an accident blackspot.

The Fenland Road Safety Campaign (Charlotte’s Way), set up by campaigner Graham Chappell, has already led to rumble strips being laid along the waterside carriage of North Bank, Whittlesey.

Cambridgeshire County Council highway bosses agreed the testing of the ground for possible barrier installation near Bedlam Bridge, March. Inspectors installed test posts last week and checks will then be made on resistance and durability.

The death of nine-year-old Charlotte Walker in 2008 sparked the campaign after the car she was travelling in plunged into the icy rivers of the Sixteen Foot.

Mr Chappell said: “It’s a very encouraging step forward but it’s still only the beginning of this process.

“In some ways this was the easiest area to tackle as it’s an accident blackspot. Even if you’re driving at well below the speed limit you can run into difficulty on a wet or icy day. There’s no protection.

“We hope there’s much more to come because we’ve already seen bits of progress. We really appreciate the continued support of Cambs County Council, MP Steve Barclay and the residents of Fenland.”

About �7,500 has been raised by the campaign to help towards the cost of the barrier - estimated at around �8,000 - at the bridge. A cheque for �5,000 has already been presented to the county council by Mr Chappell who raised that amount by completing a 360-mile sponsored cycle ride to raise funds for the campaign.

A further �2,000 was added at a charity race night and auction at the Oliver Cromwell Hotel in March last month.