POLICE were today investigating a newly resurfaced stretch of road following claims that it had led to an increase in accidents.

And it has been revealed that a driver left paralysed when his van careered off the carriageway aims to sue the government's Highways Agency over the alleged dangerous surface.

Gordon Ashton, 57, of Mellor, has been in hospital since the vehicle plunged 30ft off an embankment next to the A677 Preston New Road, Blackburn, on May 1.

His solicitor has begun investigations with a view to pursuing a £75,000-plus claim.

Mr Ashton's son Mark, 32, of Cherry Tree, Blackburn, said: "He is paralysed from the waist down, the long term prognosis is bleak and we believe he may never recover.

"Before the accident he was a very active man who enjoyed playing golf."

The former lecturer, who was driving for Blackburn bakers Sanderson's, faces up to a year in the spinal unit at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.

His three children make regular visits but say the accident's true consequences are yet to come.

"My dad's problems will begin when the time arrives for him to leave hospital," Mark added.

"He is a divorcee and there is no way he will be able to return to his own home. He will face financial difficulties, but we also want to highlight the problem."

Solicitor Lesley Slater, of the Nottingham-based Barratts law firm, said she was aware that several vehicles had lost control on the stretch of road between the Moat House and Windmill pub since the new surface was put in place.

She added: "I consider the sequence of accidents to be more than a pure coincidence.

"I am seeking to establish a claim in whole or in part against the Highways Agency and/or the contractors who laid the road surface on the basis that the road surface is defective or dangerous."

"I would like anyone who has had difficulties on this stretch of road in the last two months to contact me. I can be contacted on 0115 981 5115."

Today PC Phil Davies, of Blackburn police's traffic management department, confirmed that officers were investigating a number of accidents since the road was resurfaced towards the end of April.

A Highways Agency spokesman said the matter was being investigated by Lancashire County Council as their agents, but added that they were not aware of any subsequent problems being reported by LCC or Lancashire police.

He added: "Resurfacing work was carried out by our agents on a stretch of this road in March and April this year.

"We are unable to make any further comment at this stage."

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