Several major local business leaders have backed a letter calling for improvements at an accident hotspot.

Llynclys Crossroads, between Oswestry and Welshpool, is renowned as the site of road traffic accidents, with the A483 crossing over both the A495 and the B4396 at the junction.

Simon Spencer said it is the time for highways to introduce measures to ensure that cars can be allowed to turn into the road easily without the threat of oncoming traffic.

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He said: “I have lived in the area for nearly 50 years and used Llynclys Crossroads frequently.

“It is worst trying to cross from Knockin into the Tanat Valley but the other way is also difficult. It has got worse every year.

“The delays at peak times like Friday and Sunday night now make the traffic back up a long way. No wonder local businesses are complaining which is why they have signed the letter.

“It is also dangerous with frequent accidents as people get impatient trying to cross and cross when it is not safe.

“We are calling for traffic lights like the ones in Maesbury Road or better still a roundabout.

“There is room for a roundabout. They have been announcing a Pant bypass for years but nothing ever happens. Do we have to wait for the death toll to mount until they do something about it?”

The letter, for the attention of Highways, was co-signed by Chris Chadd, manager at Tanat Valley Coaches; Steve Carlyle, director of Lloyd’s Animal Feeds; Martin Cap from Morgans of Oswestry, and Sian Whiteoak from Llanymynech Golf Club, among others.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, said: “Llynclys Crossroads is dangerous and needs to be made safer – that’s why I’ve been calling for changes both at the junction and along the nearby roads.

“I believe major changes are needed at Llynclys Crossroads but in the meantime National Highways agreed to investigate what short-term measures they can take to help keep people safe.

“I understand they have had some staffing changes recently that might have delayed the results of the study.

“They recently agreed to reduce the speed limit between Llanymynech and Pant and they know how strong the community feels about Llynclys so hopefully they will soon take overdue action there as well.

“I’ll certainly keep pushing for it.”

However, National Highways programme development manager Ian Doust said they will be pursuing safety through a speed reduction scheme.

He said: “We have listened to the concerns of the community and are developing a possible speed reduction scheme which would see the current 40mph limit reduced to 30mph at the Llynclys crossroads.

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“Our proposal, which has received the support of the police, also includes a reduction in speed limit from 60mph to 50mph either side of the junction to reduce approach speeds.

“These changes would be supported with safety cameras.”

“If our proposed scheme is approved and receives funding we would look to deliver it in the next five-year roads investment period which starts in 2025/26.”