WORK is under way to improve dangerous junctions in Neston after 23 years of campaigning by Wirral mum Pauline Fielding.

Pauline, from Heswall, has been campaigning to see traffic lights placed at the junction of Raby Park Road and the A540 Chester High Road, the same location where her son Andrew lost his life in 1994.

Andrew, 18, was driving along Chester High Road when he was forced to swerve his Vauxhall Astra to avoid a Volvo which cut across his path at the junction of Raby Park Road. As he swerved, his vehicle hit a car travelling behind. He died instantly, and the driver of the other car involved has never been traced.

Over February half-term, work began on improving the Raby Park Road junction by realigning the kerbs with a speed review also taking place.

However council officials say that traffic lights would require upgrading existing signals at Liverpool Road and Hinderton Road junctions.

In a statement Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) said: “If a traffic signal scheme were to be implemented in this area, then the introduction of traffic signals at this location would require upgrading the existing signals apparatus at the Liverpool Road (Fiveways) and Hinderton Road junctions too.

“This would enable the signals to communicate with each other and is designed to aid traffic flow on the main road network.”

Independent Cheshire West and Chester councillor for Parkgate Martin Barker raised the issue to the full Council meeting in Winsford on December 14, the same time when a petition - with more than 2,000 signatures - was presented by Pauline.

In a detailed response, CWaC noted that: “There has been ongoing work and discussion regarding this junction.

“The Council has met with the local members and town council, whilst also engaging with customers who have submitted independent enquiries and have listened to the concerns of the local community.

“As a result of this engagement, a junction improvement at the A540 / Raby Park Road junction will be undertaken during this Financial Year.”

“The improvement will be kerb realignments, as discussed at meetings with Neston Town Council and local members in February and March 2017.

“A speed limit review has also been commissioned, with the outcome to be determined in the very near future.

“A proposal to match fund vehicle-activated signing is being considered on the A540, either side of the Raby Park Road.

“This speed limit review also takes into consideration road traffic collisions on the route, including all junctions.”

The petition started after discussions between Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders, Neston Town councillors and long-term road campaigner Pauline.

Neston Town cllr Ceri Lloyd said: “Mrs Fielding’s long campaign has had widespread support in our town, from our MP, from local members and from Neston Town Council.

“The response from CWaC is a most helpful step in the right direction and will add some important short-term safety features to one of the junctions.

“I am particularly pleased at the commitment from CWaC to look for external funding for a more comprehensive scheme that is essential to make the junctions much safer and improve traffic flow. We shall continue to campaign until this is delivered.