AN accident blackspot in the centre of Lancaster could get crash barriers after a campaign from local businesses and police.

Two cars have careered into an empty shop at the junction of North Road and Rosemary Lane in the space of a fortnight - leading to calls for barriers.

And now it appears they could be put up amid fears someone could die at the junction.

A spokesman for Lancaster police road safety unit says: "This area was part of a consultation a couple of months ago but there had been no incidents of note there.

"Obviously, over the last couple of weeks two crashes have occurred there and so the matter will be discussed again because this is a situation that needs to be looked at."

Local businessman Ian Green, of Ask Restaurant, told the Citizen: "I am very worried that a car could crash through a window and that could be very serious if people were inside the shop.

"Crash barriers would be a good start but possibly the council would be better looking at imposing a speed limit because the corner is quite tight.

"I have been in contact with Lancaster City Council and have voiced my concerns to them. I hope that they will take this on board because someone could be killed."

In the latest incident on Sunday night, fire-fighters spent 30 minutes cutting a woman passenger free from a mangled VW Golf car.

She was taken to hospital with minor injuries and was released after treatment. Two other people were also taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and released after treatment.

A city council spokesman says: "We had a period of consultation in June this year with the road safety group, which is made up of police, city council and county council.

"Safety barriers were discussed for the area but as there was no history of accidents there no decision was made.

"Barriers are placed where there is potential of real injury and now the request will be reconsidered."

A 21-year-old man has been bailed to appear at Lancaster police station at a later date over the incident.