MP set for crunch meeting over Norcross roundabout

Continued concerns about the safety of a problem roundabout has prompted an MP to arrange a meeting with highway bosses.

Lorraine Beavers, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, says National Highways needs to look at workable solutions which can realistically fix the issues at Norcross roundabout, at Thornton.

Norcross Roundabout, which links busy Amounderness Way, Fleetwood Road South and Norcross Lane, has attracted numerous complaints since it was redesigned five years ago.

Costing £5m, it was built with improved crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians, traffic lights and a new island, after complaints about hold-ups.

But the re-design seems to be even more problematic than before and many consider Norcross roundabout the worst in Lancashire due to the frequency of accidents caused by confused drivers.

Around 28,000 vehicles use the roundabout each day, according to the most recent official data.

Plans for more housing off nearby Norcross Lane,  in addition to recent approval for a giant M&S food store there have led to many fearing that things may get even worse unless the problems are addressed.

National Highways says it is listening to these concerns and is making changes expected to be implemented by Easter.

But Lorraine Beavers says the changes need to be effective.

She said: “The roundabout is used by a lot of people but it is badly designed because drivers still get confused and they don’t have time to think about it.

“My concern is for the safety of the drivers who have to use it.

“National Highways will hopefully have come to a workable solution by now and it needs to be brought into effect as soon as possible.

“I am meeting up with representatives in early February to discuss the problems and making it clear that they need sorting out once and for all.”

The MP said that better signage was needed, giving drivers a clear picture of where they needed to go.

This week a spokesperson for National Highways said: “We are progressing changes to the road markings on the junction and a reduction in the speed limit on the northbound approach. We are finalising our plans and expect to deliver this work before the end of this financial year.”