A PUBLIC consultation is underway until the end of the month to determine a way forward to make a notorious accident blackspot in Coleford safer.

Chairman of Coleford Town Council’s highways committee, Clive Elsmore said there is some public opposition to the long-running idea to install traffic lights at Mile End crossroads, at the junction of Woodgate Road and the B4208.

The discussion was high on the agenda at a meeting with Amey last Wednesday following the death of a 76-year-old Lydney woman on March 4.

Amey said they have sent leaflets to people living in the affected area to gauge opinion and determine a way forward.

Cllr Elsmore (Ind, Coleford Central) said: “Highways are doing a public consultation until the end of March which will then be presented to Coleford Town Council. I imagine there will also be a public meeting to discuss this further.

“We have to bear in mind there is opposition to the idea of installing traffic lights at the junction – however we can’t let this go.

“Therefore, we are exploring other options and are asking residents to suggest an alternative measure which we will obviously have to ensure is within our budget. Those against the traffic light idea have voiced concerns that it would cause added noise and pollution in the area.”

Cllr Elsmore added: “The crossroads has been a problem for years and years with many motorists losing their lives – something must be done soon.”