The death of a mother-of-six at a notorious accident blackspot has prompted new calls to improve safety.

Police said Charlotte Preston, of Greenside Court, Hincaster, near Milnthorpe, was driving a black Fiat Punto on the A590 near Witherslack.

It was ‘in collision with’ a silver Vauxhall Corsa, driven by a 24-year-old woman from Barrow.

An Audi A6 driven by a 38-year-old man from Cheshire and a Fiat Doblo driven by a 56-year-old man from Cockermouth were also caught up in the crash.

Ms Preston was cut free from her vehicle which had ended up on its roof.

She was airlifted to Royal Lancaster Infirmary where she died as a result of her injuries.

Police said they were unable to say what had caused the crash on Tuesday at this stage.

The driver of the Corsa was taken to hospital in Kendal and was released later that day.

Richard Coates, Witherslack, Meathop and Ulpha parish councillor, said opening an underpass near to the scene of the tragedy could help make the road safer.

It would mean that traffic from Witherslack turning right towards Grange would not have to go into the central reservation before making the turn, said Mr Coates.

Currently, no motor vehicles are allowed to use the underpass as it is classed as a bridleway.

“It is obviously a dangerous road, and pulling out at that junction is like pulling out onto a motorway,” Coun Coates said.

Coun Tom Harvey, of Grange Town Council, said he would welcome any improvements which could be made on the A590.

There have been a number of accidents so it appears to be a dangerous road.

“If there is something highway engineers or the council can do to make it safer then I’m sure it would be very much welcomed.”

The A590 was shut both ways for six hours after the accident, which happened around the Mill Side area, at around 11am.

In November 2009 mother-of-two Michelle Jurd, 41, of Grange-over-Sands, lost her life when her car was in collision with an articulated lorry at nearby Gilpin Bridge.

At the time there were calls for a roundabout to be created on the road and the introduction of better lighting.

A Highways Agency spokesperson said: “The police in Cumbria are continuing to investigate and we are unable to comment further until the outcome of their investigations."

Witnesses should contact Sergeant Jo Walker on 0845-3300.