BILLINGE councillor Alma Atherton has welcomed a package of road improvements at a local accident blackspot.

Around 60 metres of open box beam safety barrier will be installed this month on the outside of the bend on Billinge Road protecting rear gardens of properties in Selkirk Avenue.

A pedestrian refuge in Billinge Road at the Smock Lane junction and a mini roundabout opposite Birch Grove will also be introduced. Lining and signing works on this section will take place in September.

Councillor Atherton and ward councillors Bessie Griffin and Neville Bullock have been campaigning for the improvements to be made.