SAFETY work to improve Worcester's most infamous traffic island has finally got underway - sparking fresh concerns.

After six months of delays, which were blamed on the weather, Worcestershire County Council has now started its work on the hated A4440 Whittington island.

It might look like a scene from the Wizard of Oz, but these images show the new-look slip road which has been fitted out with a 'high-friction' surface that appears more sandy brown in appearance than the bright yellow first envisaged.

The revamp, which also includes fresh markings, signage and the removal of some trees and vegetation on the island, has been panned by safety campaigner Lisa Ventura, who says skid marks have already started to re-appear on the route.

Mrs Ventura, of St John's, says "the only answer" is for council chiefs to close the slip road.

"I really don’t think this is going to make the blindest bit of difference," she said.

"In fact the skid marks prove it, I still maintain the only answer is to close the slip road until it can be made safe."

Mrs Ventura, who led a 600-name petition to get the slip road closed off last year, has now put a video on her Facebook campaign page showing some of the marks which have appeared on the slip road.

But the county council insisted this afternoon that it has no concerns over the high-friction surface, and said it was confident the changes will do the trick.

The surfacing is designed to artificially slow cars down and help them brake easier.

A council spokesman said: "We are currently carrying out a series of planned minor improvements to Whittington roundabout.

"It had been hoped to complete these late last year, however the work was postponed due to unsuitable weather conditions.

"The improvements include lineage, extra signage and the installation of an anti-skid surface.

"The first phase of works were completed last week and the second phase will be completed in mid-June."

Ever since the Whittington island got its £1.3 million overhaul in August 2012, there have been regular reports of car shunts.

The words ‘SLOW’ have also been painted into the road from the M5 approach to try and appeal to motorists, and arrows pointing forward for those in the normal lanes.

More than £40 million is being spent on dualling most of the A4440 Southern Link Road by 2018, and by then the slip road will not require drivers to brake and look right.

To see Mrs Ventura's Facebook video follow THIS link.

COUNCIL URGED TO RE-THINK KETCH ISLAND CHANGES

ON the other side of the A4440 the £8 million overhaul of Worcester's ketch island has attracted severe criticism - with one councillor calling the layout "crazy".

People using the roundabout to cross the Carrington Bridge towards Malvern start off in two lanes which very quickly merge into one.

Councillor Tom Wells, a Liberal Democrat, has posted a video on Facebook last night which has been viewed a staggering 27,400 times in just under 24 hours.

The video shows drivers having to awkwardly slam on the brakes when they realise the two lanes merge to one, with some waving their hands in frustration and shaking their heads.

The lane merger impacts every driver which attempts to exit the island and head across Carrington Bridge.

Councillor Wells said: "It's deadly. Two lanes immediately become one and there is absolutely no protection for cars coming the other way.

"It just shows the power of social media, I've had a shed load of responses, it seems to have resonated with everybody.

"I am very concerned about the welfare of the people I represent, we need action now - I couldn't believe it when I saw it."

Mrs Ventura said the Ketch was “crazy”, adding that the A4440 has now become a “much bigger problem”.

A council spokesperson said: "As with any of our major infrastructure projects, the Ketch roundabout improvement work has followed a thorough safety audit process.

"The next stage of this process was due to take place at the end of June.

"This was to allow us enough time to monitor traffic usage of the roundabout and give drivers the opportunity to get used to the new layout.

"Due to early initial feedback, we are now bringing forward this next stage.

"We have also spoken to Cllr Wells regarding his petition and believe that by taking this action, we have now addressed any concerns he may have."

To see Councillor Wells' video click HERE.

* What do you think of the work at either island? Leave your comments below or email te@worcesternews.co.uk.