A major supermarket chain has joined forces with Blackpool Council to tackle a notorious accident black spot at the entrance to its local store.

Work started this week to install new traffic lights at the entrance to the car park of Asda, Cherry Tree Road, while an existing pelican crossing will be upgraded into a new puffin crossing

The work is aimed at improving safety for all pedestrians, particularly pupils of St George's School, across the road from the store.

Just two and a half years ago, a 13-year-old pupil was killed while crossing Cherry Tree Road.

Leanne Edmundson died in June 2003. The teenager was struck by a car while crossing Cherry Tree Road on her way to school. A memorial garden was set up at the school 12 months after Leanne's death.

For at least the first month of the 12-week roadworks a crossing patrol will be in place to help children to cross the road. Temporary traffic lights will also be installed.

A Blackpool Council spokesman said: "Blackpool Council apologises for any inconvenience while these necessary works are carried out and asks for the patience and co-operation of all road users. It would like to thank Asda for the generous funding of the project."

One innovative feature of the new traffic arrangements will be the puffin crossing, which uses detectors to calculate how many pedestrians and vehicles need to use the crossing at any one time.

The spokesman added: "This helps to keep traffic flowing and reduce congestion in and around what is a busy area of Marton, especially during the school run."