Tony Blair to look at A49 safety

Two lorry drivers died in a head-on collision on the A49 last week

Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised to inquire about the safety of a stretch of road in Herefordshire.

Leominster MP Bill Wiggin described in Parliament on Wednesday the "appalling state" of the A49 in his constituency.

Two lorry drivers died in a crash on the road at Aston, near Leominster, on 7 June, and several other people have been killed on the A49 in recent years.

The prime minister said he would contact Mr Wiggin with details of what might be done to improve safety.

"I had the opportunity at Prime Minister's Questions to highlight the appalling state of the A49 in my constituency where many lives have been lost, including those from the horrendous collision last Monday," the Conservative MP said.

"I asked the prime minister if he would personally ensure that the road is made safer so that no more fatal accidents occur.

"He assured me that he will look into the matter and will write back to me with details of what can be done.

"I look forward to receiving the prime minister's response and I am sure that my constituents will be as relieved as I am that the road will finally receive the attention it desperately needs."