LEADERS are calling for a safer coach stop point following a serious accident on the A590.

Ulverston Councillor Amanda Rigg is working with local leaders and Ulverston Town Council to take action for safer coach pick-up and drop-off points in the town.

Councillor Amanda Rigg led discussions at last week’s Ulverston Town Council meeting after local residents had got in touch to raise their concerns with her.

Cllr Rigg convinced the group to resolve to write to local coach companies, requesting them to reconsider their current pickup and drop off points in light of these safety concerns. Coaches passing through Ulverston currently stop on the A590 next to the Roxy Cinema.

Cllr Rigg is calling for a change, and to consider using the designated coach point on Victoria Road instead, or outside the Coronation Hall.

She said: “We've been saying for years that we should work to eliminate hold-ups on the A590.

"Following the road being closed for several hours in recent weeks after a serious accident, this feels like the right time to make the change. Coaches stopping on the A590 pose a hazard for other road users, and block the carriageway.

“I'm not pointing blame at anyone, this is how things have been for years, but now’s the time to reconsider.

"Traffic is often bad through Ulverston already, so we should be working to eliminate all hold-ups and of course, to reduce the risk of any further accidents.

"A carriageway, with double yellow lines, is not the best place to stop when there is an adequate and safer location just across the road."

The move comes after local councillors Andrew Butcher, Helen Irving, and Amanda Rigg have been out talking to residents in recent weeks about tackling speeding through the town, and rolling out the Twenty’s Plenty campaign in recent weeks with Furness MP, Simon Fell.

Mr Fell said: “Commuting through Ulverston is a challenge at the best of times. Any move to make the A590 safer for motorists, pedestrians, cyclist and other road users is welcome, and I am supportive of Cllr Rigg’s efforts.

“Cllr Rigg and her colleagues in Ulverston have been tireless campaigners to make the improvements necessary to improve traffic flow through Ulverston.

"Working together we will continue to make the case to National Highways, Cumbria County Council, and Stagecoach so that this scheme is higher up on their priority list, and a sensible solution is sought.”