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Mystery roundabout is accident waiting to happen
THERE is nothing magic about this roundabout.
Motorists have been left baffled by the sudden appearance of the traffic circle on Station Road in Wesham.
Puzzled residents believe the roundabout, installed by County Hall workmen to cope with extra traffic at a nearby housing development on Derby Road, is an "accident waiting to happen".
People have also questioned the wisdom of putting a roundabout in the middle of a busy junction.
They claim drivers are struggling with a lack of visibility and poor signage approaching the junction.
Christine Halliday, 68, of Catherine Street, said: "I haven't got the foggiest idea why it is there.
"I've lived here for 40 years and never had one before. The taxi divers told me it was very dangerous."
Former roadsweeper Nick Tucker, 65, of Station Road, said: "Vehicles are going straight over the middle.
"One sign is right on top of the roundabout. What good is it there?
"The other can't be seen at night because of the lights."
Mark Mullin, 43, of Weeton Road, said the roundabout had forced him to drive his mobility scooter on the pavement.
He said: "I've been here for five years and never known an accident here.
"I have no idea why they have put it here. The only reason I can think of is the new homes."
The confusion has forced ward councillor Simon Renwick to write to county highway bosses asking for the design to be reviewed.
He said: "I've had several complaints. It's certainly a hot topic at the moment.
"One complainant said it was 'a death trap waiting to happen' and I agree.
"Other mini-roundabouts have a raised centre which acts well as a warning to motorists that they are approaching a roundabout where they may have to give way to the right. This one does no such thing."
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said additional work would be carried out on the roundabout.
He said: "With any work of this nature we keep it under review and see how they work in practice.
"We are going to put in signage and increase the dome height."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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