URGENT calls have been made to improve safety at junction 37 of the M6 between Kendal and Sedbergh.

MPs Tim Farron and Lizzi Collinge have written a joint letter to National Highways saying the A684 flyover bridge has become an accident blackspot in recent years with numerous serious and fatal incidents.

READ MORE: Drug detection dogs deployed at Kendal Calling festival

In May last year a man in his 80s died and several other people were seriously hurt following a crash. And last Sunday (28th July), a motorcycle passenger died and the rider was seriously injured in a vehicle collision.

In their letter to National Highways Chief Executive Nick Harris, the MPs reported that some Sat Navs tell drivers travelling North on the M6 to take the slip road, drive across the A684 and then drive back onto the M6.

The MPs have asked if ‘STOP’ signs could be introduced at the junction to prevent drivers from travelling straight across the A684.

Mr Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale said: “It’s absolutely tragic news that a passenger died at the weekend at this junction and my thoughts are with their family and friends at this time.

“In recent months and years, there have been several accidents and many near misses at this junction. It’s absolutely critical that this accident blackspot is addressed.

“That’s why I’m working with the new MP for Sedbergh to get National Highways to look at this as an urgent priority.”

Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale said: “People in Sedbergh and beyond are extremely concerned about the safety of this junction, with lots of them telling me about near misses and bad collisions.

"Last weekend we saw another tragedy and I can't imagine the pain of the family, especially knowing that this issue has been raised by local people for many years.

"I'm determined that Tim and I will work together on this, along with local councillors, until we get action."

(Image: Cumbria Police) 55-year-old Beverley Hainsworth was named as the motorbike passenger who was killed on Sunday afternoon.

The incident happened at the A684 junction of the M6 at around 2.20pm. It involved a grey Audi A3 and a Kawasaki motorcycle being ridden by Mrs Hainsworth's husband David.

Her family released the following tribute: "Bev was a much-loved wife to David, mother to David and Becky, daughter to Doreen and friend to many. Bev, always selfless and happy to help anyone, was sadly taken too soon.

"She was out doing something she loved with Dad on the bike going to her favourite place - Keswick.

"We will miss her every day and hope she is somewhere nice with people she loves.

"We want to say ‘Thank You’ to all the members of the public who helped and stayed with Mum, so she wasn’t on her own, the emergency services who came to their assistance and all the hospital staff who continue to care for Dad."

The rider of the motorcycle remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The occupants of the Audi were taken to hospital to be checked over.

At this stage, the cause of the accident is being investigated. 

 

A National Highways spokesperson said: "With an ongoing police investigation it would be inappropriate to comment on this incident but our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected. One fatality on our roads is one too many.

"We can confirm that we have received the joint letter from the MPs and will be responding. We routinely review the operation of our network to make it as safe as possible for all users."