AN MP has attacked the government over its refusal to support a new roundabout at a danger junction on the A59 between Clitheroe and Sabden.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has been campaigning for the major improvement at the junction between the trunk road and Pendle Road and Sabden Road.

He will now step up that campaign.

Last November - despite the backing of pensioner couple Kenneth and Monica Swales of Mayfield Avenue, Clitheroe and Lancashire Police Inspector Tom Ford - the Highways Agency rejected his proposal.

Instead they suggested the banning of right turns at the double junction.

The Tory MP said the suggestion was "too little, too late" and took the issue up with Roads Minister David Jamieson.

Now the Minister has backed the Highways Agency proposals saying that he agrees with it that the final responsibility for any changes will rest with Lancashire County Council when it takes control of the road later this year.

Mr Jamieson's answer to a written Commons question had infuriated Mr Evans who said: "The response from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Transport, David Jamieson MP, is wholly inadequate.

"He says the Highways Agency will shortly take forward an improvement of this junction including a prohibition of right turns and some changes of signing and lining.

"Much more than this needs to be done by the Government at this junction.

"It is clear to everyone that uses this junction that the changing of a few lines and stopping cars turning right will not solve the problems at this intersection of the A59.

" I have and will continue to campaign for a roundabout to be put in place at this junction. This, in my view, will be the only way to help stop the horrific accidents we unfortunately continue to see here.

"The Highways Agency, by stating the County Council will take control of the road later this year, and it will be for them to decide whether improvements are necessary, is an abdication of their responsibilities now.

"I don't wish to blame anyone for any accidents that may occur prior to the hand over period, I simply wish to prevent them."