THE root cause of motor accidents on the notorious Manor Park Bends, near Burley-in-Wharfedale, is to be investigated by Ilkley Parish Council.

Coun Brian Mann appealed to his colleagues to implement a three-point strategy to establish why so many accidents occurred at the spot, which he described as' the blight on our district'.

Several people have been killed in collisions on the treacherous stretch of the busy A65, between Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale, in the last few months.

Coun Mann said, at a meeting of the parish council, on Monday: "I do think the council should be seen to be active on this matter. I do not think we can wait for another accident to happen before there is some activity."

Coun Mann said the despite numerous appeals, rudimentary safety measures at the spot - including replacing a number of street lamps - had not been implemented.

He said: "The lights along the stretch of road are still out and hedges have not been trimmed, there has been no maintenance of signs and no-one seems to be actively seeking to minimise the risks of driving along this stretch of road."

Coun Mann said there had been so much public response to the collisions the council could not be seen to ignore the problem.

He said: "Firstly, I think we should maintain a visible and on-going interest in the problem. Everyone seems to have an opinion. It is a very emotive topic."

He then suggested direct action to filter out the problem.

"Secondly, I think we should write immediately to the Highways Agency, pointing out that the lights are out. There is no road maintenance and it is a very dangerous stretch of road.

"Thirdly, I think we should invite someone from the Accident Investigation Unit.

"These accidents could be caused by medical problems or mechanical problems. People do suggest things like reducing the speed. Two vehicles each doing 30mph crashing head on will still result in serious injuries. Maybe speed is not the thing to go after," he said.

The scheme was given full support by his fellow councillors.

Coun Pat Stevenson said: "It is a very good idea to ask the Accident Investigation Unit to come and talk to us because there is a very strong response to the problem. We do need to examine these problems and tackle the root cause if we can."

Coun Michael Exley said: "This road has been closed to my knowledge twice in the last month. There has been a number of fatalities over the last 18 months. There can't be a worse accident blackspot in West Yorkshire. The Highways Agency should look into safety."

Coun Michael Gibbons, chairman of the council, resolved to write to the various bodies and said: "I remember doing an advanced driving course and one of the instructors said, 'there is no such thing as an accident'.

" It could be someone's fault or it could be put down to a problem but accidents rarely occur. We need to look into this."