ACTION to improve safety at one of Worcestershire's worst accident blackspots is being urged on the county council.

Work at Powick roundabout was pushed out of this year's plans when the Government refused funding for the first £700,000 phase of a scheme for the city's southern bypass.

However, county councillor Tom Wells wants the improvements at Powick to be carried out as a matter of urgency.

"The county council shouldn't sit on its hands, just because the Government has turned down the southern link scheme," he said.

"We need immediate action to improve traffic management at the roundabout, which is a number one accident spot.

"There are almost daily bumps and shunts there, as well as more serious accidents."

Minor bumps frequently occurred during rush hour gridlock, when vehicles were weaving and manoeuvring in and out of lanes, he said.

"More serious are the accidents at other times of day, when the island resembles a race track, with vehicles entering at high speed.

"For pedestrians and cyclists it is an absolute nightmare. There is no safe haven and it must feel like trying to cross a motorway."

Worcestershire County Council, which is about to issue its budgets for 2005-2006, should accept responsibility for the Powick island, he said.

County transport manager John Seddon said a plan to install traffic signals at the Powick roundabout had been included in the failed bid for funding.

It would have allowed queueing to be better managed at peak times and a safer crossing for walkers and cyclists.

"It would make it safer for everyone - it's pretty intimidating if you are on foot or cycle," he said.

The scheme was now included in the draft Local Transport Plan, setting out the county's priorities for 2006 onwards, to be published in two weeks' time.

"There will be public consultation on the whole strategy, which includes improvements to the junctions on Worcester southern link road, Worcester Parkway and the park and ride scheme," he said.