CORONER David Masters has called for drastic action to be taken following another death at an accident blackspot.

Eileen Tull, 65, died after her blue Nissan Micra collided with a 43-tonne truck at Battlelake Crossroads, near Purton in July.

David Masters said at an inquest into her death, yesterday: "It's an accident black spot and I'm anxious work be done to improve safety. I have a catalogue of seven serious accidents since June 2002, three of them fatal. There is a bad history to this road.

"I intend to take this up with the Highways Authority on the basis that urgent work needs to be done."

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death and said that the driver of the lorry, Haydon Minty, from South Wales, had done all he could to avoid the collision.

The court heard how Ms Tull, who lived at Windmill Court housing complex in Uxbridge Road, Freshbrook, was travelling at around 36 miles per hour when she entered the junction without slowing.

She hit the lorry, which was doing approximately 43 miles an hour.

The car was embedded in the front of the lorry and dragged for 85 metres.

Collision investigator, PC Alan Kyne said: "The lorry driver reacted to the presence of the car but was unable to avoid the collision."

PC Barney Appleton from Wiltshire Traffic Police said a site meeting had been held on January 12 to discuss changes to the junction, which it is hoped will be introduced in April. He said: "The road surface will be treated with high friction surface and rumble strips which give an audible warning that a danger is approaching."

PC Appleton also said that the signs around the junction would be improved.

David Masters said: "Work needs to be done.

"It seems to me that this work should be put in hand at the earliest opportunity to minimise the risk of further accidents such as those that have already taken place."

Gareth Bethell