Petition proves that it's a sign of the times

Alex Cookson, 19, from Davenham, died on March 10, when a MG ZF left the A533 Bostock Road and collided with a tree.

And Matthew Whittle, 18, a Mid-Cheshire College student from Winsford and Chloe Kozyra, 16, from Over Peover, died when a Mini Mayfair lost control on a different bend in the early hours of March 21. Thousands of people signed a petition, which was organised by Kingsmead mums Deryn Munroe and Sue McCormack, demanding safety measures be installed.

Now Deryn has received a letter from the county council's senior engineer John Triplett.

He said an in-depth study had been carried out on the road and confirmed the only two sites with any significant accident problems were on the two bends where the fatalities occurred.

Mr Triplett said: "While the main cause of most of the accidents which are occurring is driver error there is, nevertheless, considerable scope to enhance the existing signing and lining to make drivers more aware of the prevailing hazards and encourage them to slow down.

The improvements recommended are:

l Existing damaged or missing warning signs to be refurbished.

l The bend at North Lodge is to be retextured this year to improve skid resistance and the bend at South Lodge is to be reviewed next year.

l Funds to be made available from next year's budget to enhance the signing and lining at both bends. Essentially this will involve providing 'bend' signs with 'reduce speed now plates' on yellow backing boards.

l 'Slow' marking on red patches will support the new signs and will be accompanied by red rumble strips or patches.

l All existing double white lines will be re-laid and re-rubbered and edge line will also be re-laid.

Deryn said: "It is absolutely great news.

"I feel that we have made a difference, finally after all this time.

"I'm sure the petition has made a big difference and we want to thank everyone who signed it."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk