Four-way temporary traffic lights installed at Fishwick Corner in Thurston near Bury St Edmunds after ‘high risk safety breach’

Four-way traffic lights have been installed at a notorious accident blackspot after a ‘high risk’ safety breach.

Temporary traffic lights were set up at Fishwick Corner, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, on August 15, as work begins on creating a staggered junction at the site.

The crossroads has been described as ‘lethal’ by residents living nearby and where they say accidents happen on an ‘almost weekly basis’.

But yesterday, following concerns over the safety of the new two-way traffic light system, installed by contractors, an inspection was carried out by Suffolk County Council.

In a letter, seen by SuffolkNews, residents have been informed: “These works are being carried out for the construction of a minor works access and the works are due to be complete on August 29.

“At the time of the inspection, the site was not compliant with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works – A Code of Practice’ (Department for Transport).

“Following this, a two-hour, high-risk defect was issued to the contractor carrying out the works. This required immediate action from the contractor to make the site safe and compliant.

“Temporary four-way traffic lights have now been installed for the remainder of the works and the site is now safe and compliant.”

The work to build a staggered junction at the site is prior to the construction of 210 new homes, off nearby Beyton Road.

Thurston has seen a raft of planning applications since 2017, with more than 1,200 new homes, approved.

Residents have called for a halt on all housing developments until a ‘robust’ infrastructure is in place.

Campaigner Andrew Ridgeon initially raised concerns over the two-way traffic light system.

He said: “The two-way traffic lights failed to address the most obvious dangers at these crossroads and needed urgent attention.

“It was vital a four way traffic control was installed without delay.”

Concerns have also been raised about the planned staggered junction, a condition of a future housing development, will be sufficient.

A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council added: “Following a recent site visit to Fishwick Corner, Suffolk County Council instructed the contractor to adjust the temporary signals to a four-way system as they were previously causing confusion.”