A UNITED campaign has been launched to curb the number of deadly accidents on one of the most dangerous roads in the North West.

Six people have been killed in just one blackspot section on the St Helens stretch of the East Lancs since 1997.

Now local councillors and MP Dave Watts are uniting to demand tougher safety measures.

Windle ward councillors Patricia Martinez-Williams and Geoff Almond are among those deeply concerned over the number of accidents on the A580, especially those near Windle Island and Blindfoot Road.

Councillor Martinez-Williams, told the Star: "During the last two months alone we have had two fatal accidents there. And on one of those occasions two of the accidents, one at Windle Island and one at Blindfoot Road, which involved motorcyclists happened within hours of each other on the same evening.

"I have contacted Dave Watts and he arranged a meeting with officials of the Highways Agency. "

Councillor Martinez-Williams, added: "We were assured the Highways Agency were already reviewing the safety of the road due to the increase in accidents at a number of junctions on the A580 and that the results of the review and concerns of the residents will be taken into consideration when decisions are made about any future improvements.

"We are calling upon the Highways Agency to consider:

the installation of a pedestrian bridge at Windle Island, or at the least a safer crossing for pedestrians who may be crossing to and from the Moss Lane area; for Windle Island to have layout improvements and anti-skid surfacing at the west and east approaches of the A580;

a reduction in the speed limit on the A580, even if that reduction is restricted to junctions such as Windle Island and Blindfoot Road.

"We are also asking for U-turns to be prohibited at the Blindfoot Road junction and Catchdale Moss Lane and for the central reservation gap at the Moss Lane junction to be closed."

MP Dave Watts, said: "The Highways Agency who have assured me that they intend to carry out a number of studies over the next few months to look at how this road can be made safer for both pedestrians and drivers.

If you wish to make any further comments, or to express your concerns, about the problems faced by drivers and pedestrians on the A580 contact Councillor Patricia Martinez-Williams on 01744 752481; Councillor Geoff Almond on 01744 736518, or Dave Watts, MP, on 01744 623416.