CORNWALL Council has announced that it is set to progress the business case for a major safety improvement at an A30 accident blackspot with up to £250,000 committed to the work.

It comes after the council published an alteration to its proposed budget which takes into account suggestions from Councillor Leigh Frost, who had proposed a feasibility study into a possible upgrade at Plusha junction.

The notorious section at Plusha has seen several serious and fatal accidents in recent years, prompting calls for a redesign of the junction, which currently sees drivers having to cross the busy road to access the services and surrounding local area.

In 2015, National Highways - who are responsible for the trunk road network - developed several junction options with an underpass or an overbridge. However, the project never proceeded.

Following recent incidents along the stretch a temporary 50mph limit was put in place, and National Highways is promoting a series of lower cost, deliverable measures on the section of the A30 between Kennards House to Five Lanes.

At January’s Full Council meeting a motion put forward by local councillor Adrian Parsons called on Cornwall Council to take the lead in developing a full redesign of the junction.

The motion was referred to cabinet for consideration, and a decision taken to start preparing a business case showing how the work will meet the necessary criteria to qualify for funding from the national roads programme.

Cllr Connor Donnithorne, portfolio holder for transport at Cornwall Council, said: “We have listened to the calls for safety improvements at Plusha, and the decision to progress the business case underlines this Council’s commitment to improving road safety for residents.

“I would like to recognise the work put in by the Cllr Parsons and the Safe Plusha group to bring this issue to Full Council and look forward to the development of this significant safety scheme.

“We will also continue to support National Highways on delivering the interim safety measures currently being developed for this section of the A30.”

Cornwall Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, Councillor David Harris, said: "I am very pleased that Cllr Donnithorne has announced that funds for this can be found out of the Transport Budget.

"These amendments do not have any effect on the transfers to Reserves proposed in the Cabinet approved Budget. I am grateful to Cllr Frost for his proposals and pleased that Cabinet have effectively been able to put into effect his suggestions."