SOMEONE must die on the A65 near Ingleton before action is taken to improve the road, according to councillors.

Members of Thornton-in- Lonsdale Parish Council say motorists are dicing with death on the busy stretch between Masongill and the bridge at Ingleton.

Members claim the problem is caused by traffic, travelling at speed on the A65 past Country Harvest and then encountering the slalom bends of Post Office Row, Lower Westhouse. In addition, there are hidden farm entrances, driveways, turnings and blind spots.

According to the councillors, there have been numerous accidents as residents, waiting to turn into side roads, have been hit by cars on the A65.

Coun Janet Thompson said: "This has been going on for years and the amount of traffic is increasing. When we come out and look towards Kirkby Lonsdale the traffic is coming full pelt down the curve towards Ingleton.

"Just before Christmas there was an accident as someone slowed down to turn into Lower Westhouse and another car couldn't stop, hit the waiting car, spun it round and it collided with a wall.

"Coming out of Higher Westhouse is also bad as the traffic is going so fast. It's just a roller coaster.

"The county is waiting for a fatality before it will do anything which we feel is totally unacceptable."

The council has called a meeting next Friday (January 24) at Westhouse Village Hall to look into the danger facing motorists.

Members hope residents and road users will come along and share their views, fears and offer any possible solutions.

Clerk Christine Jenkinson said: "The parish council has long feared for the lives of their residents, visitors and all road users. Speed built up along the road on safer stretches has often proved impossible to control at this point. Well-meant signage has proved inadequate and has not prevented serious mishaps.

"The council feels it must act to prevent the fatalities it has expected before now."

The parish council would like to see a speed limit of 40mph introduced on the stretch between Masongill and Gale Green and hopes North Yorkshire County Council will look into the issue when it takes over responsibility for the road from Lancashire County Council later this year.

Concerned motorists can also write to the council at Greyrigg, Masongill, Westhouse, LA6 3NN.

Alex Miller, of the Highways Agency, said: "The Highways Agency has undertaken a whole series of road safety improvements over the past three years and is continuing to do so. We are directing our resources to where they are needed."

The meeting begins at 7.30pm.