A DUAL-CARRIAGEWAY junction branded ‘one of the most dangerous in the country’ by campaigners is finally to get a new roundabout costing up to £2million.

Following the latest of string of major accidents at the cross roads of the A59 and Pendle Road near Clitheroe, action is to be taken to boost safety.

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Lancashire County Council has announced a new scheme for a roundabout at the junction to be built by summer 2018.

The news has delighted Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans who has long campaigned for just such a road improvement at the accident blackspot.

He will now press for the scheme, which will cost between £1million and £2million depending on ground conditions and underground pipes and cables, to be brought forward in the authority’s capital programme of works.

On Sunday, October 30, a man and a woman had to be cut out of a Vauxhall after a collision with a VW Passat at the junction and taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with suspected spinal injuries.

It was the latest in a series of serious injury and fatal accidents at the junction over the years.

The new scheme is due to be delivered between spring nest year and summer 2018.

Mr Evans said: “I am delighted at last a roundabout is to be installed.

“This one of the most dangerous roads in the country.”

“It has been a long campaign but this road improvement needs to happen sooner rather than later to save life and limb.

“It has taken far too long but at last something is being done.”

A county council spokesman said: “We’re currently developing a scheme for a new roundabout at the existing staggered junction of the A59 and Pendle Road.

“It is due to be delivered as part of the planning conditions for a housing development on land off Pendle Road.

“Another roundabout is to be delivered in Pendle Road to access the development.”

He added:”I will press for an early start to this work next year so no more time is lost.”