A DRIVER has been killed at an accident black spot which was supposed to have been made safe by traffic lights.

Howard Roy Bouston, aged 52, of Upton-upon-Severn, died after a collision at the Blackmore crossroads, by the Three Counties Showground, on Friday morning (July 14).

The crash happened just after 5.30am and involved a white Ford Transit van and a red Ford Escort-type van.

The road was partially blocked from the crossroads towards Malvern for almost three hours and diversions were put in place.

Firefighter Dave Walker from Upton-upon-Severn said: "The ambulance was first on the scene and we got called out because a man was trapped.

"When we arrived, we could see the Escort-type van had been sent right across the grass verge and into the ditch.

"We started to cut into one side and the Malvern crew arrived and started to cut into the other side to allow the paramedics to reach the driver."

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to hospital in Worcester with a cut to his head and shock, but later discharged himself. He has not been identified by police.

Mr Bouston was on his way to his job as a driver with Malvern Hills District Council when the crash happened.

Born and brought up in the Malvern area, he lived in Upton with his wife Joan. He was known universally as Roy.

"His stepchildren, Angela and Andrew, absolutely adored him," said Mrs Bouston.

"He had a lot of friends and

they are all really shocked by this."

The crossroad where the B4209 and B4208 meet has long been known as an accident blackspot.

Between 1988 and 1999 there were two fatalities and nine serious accidents at the site.

Campaigners were hoping for a roundabout at the junction, but it was costed at £300,000 and the scheme did not meet with government approval. Instead, a £65,000 traffic light system was installed and activated in July last year.

Wells parish and district councillor John Tretheway, who was in the forefront of the campaign, said: "My heart goes out to the relatives of the poor man who died in this terrible crash.

"It is very depressing because we tried our hardest to do the right thing and then it comes to this. I shall certainly be raising the matter at the next meeting of the Highways Forum."

An inquest was opened on Monday and adjourned to a date to be fixed by Worcestershire coroner Victor Round.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to contact PC Sean Haines or PC Spencer Bradley on 01905 723888, extensions 3644 or 3645.