Campaign launched after fatal crash

Residents in a village near Stafford have launched an on-line campaign to improve safety at an accident blackspot following a fatal crash on the road.

People living in Brocton, on the A34 near Stafford, are calling for the crossroads on the main road to be made safer following the death of 55-year-old motorcyclist Geoffrey Jones.

Mr Jones died on May 5 after his red Suzuki motorbike was in collision with a blue Volkswagen Golf at the crossroads.

Mr Jones, from Huntington, suffered a heart attack and died despite the best efforts of an off-duty police officer who tried to resuscitate him.

Now people living near the crash scene are demanding action to make the road safer.

Brocton resident Kate Young has started a group on the social networking site Facebook called Make Brocton Crossroads Safer.

The online group has already attracted more than 280 members.

On the group site, Mrs Young said: "Another accident on the crossroads - this time fatal.

"This man's death could have been prevented. Something needs to be done. Please support my group so that I can lobby our MP."

She has started an e-petition on the internet and has launched a petition in the village, which is available at The Chetwynd Arms Pub, the nearby garage and Post Office.

She has also contacted new Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy to try to get his support for the campaign.

Users of the online group have discussed the dangers of the crossroads and possible improvements, which could include a roundabout, traffic lights or a reduction in the speed limit to 30mph.

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways Mike Maryon said: "We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Jones at this very sad and difficult time.

"We cannot comment on the circumstances of this tragic incident until the police investigation has been carried out and the findings will then be considered by the road safety team."

The driver of the Golf, a 39-year-old man from Stafford, was arrested at the scene and has been bailed pending further enquiries.