RESIDENTS are actively avoiding crossing the A590 over fears for their safety, it has been revealed.

Haverthwaite councillor Sue Sanderson said that she has had numerous concerned people in her ward telling her they are avoiding crossing the road both on foot and in their cars.

She has worked on this issue for more than six years and is very passionate about changing the section of the A590 that runs past Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway museum.

She said: “People from my ward have been in touch with me about the A590 ever since the recent fatality.

“I was shocked to find out that many of them use their cars to cross the road rather than walk because it is so dangerous. They drive long distances as well just to avoid turning right. The road is 70 miles per hour at the entrance to our village where people need to turn, it is a recipe for disaster.

“We have a meeting organised with Highways England at the end of the month where I am hoping to get the police to come and follow it up with a drop-in session for locals.”

Sue went on to say that the compromise idea so far is to change the road from a dual carriageway to a single carriageway.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “We routinely review the operation of the strategic road network to ensure it provides safe, smooth and reliable journeys for all road users.

"We’ve recently been looking at the whole of the A590, but particularly the section between Greenodd and Newby Bridge, to see what improvements might be made, including safety improvements.

"We are indeed discussing ideas with local councillors but are also aiming to present some ideas at a public event within the next few months.”