Work to improve safety at accident blackspot, Fishwick Corner, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, in ‘final stage talks’, says Bloor Homes

Developers behind plans to ease pressure at a notorious accident blackspot say they are in ‘final stage’ talks over improvements.

Bloor Homes is due to carry out the changes at Fishwick Corner, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, ahead of an approved 210-home development off nearby Beyton Road.

The developer had hoped to begin the work in late Spring.

In a statement today, it said it is ‘fully committed to providing the ‘upgraded junction as a priority’.

It follows a further accident at the accident hotspot yesterday when one person was taken to hospital following a two-car crash.

A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said: “We are aware of the accident at Fishwick Corner this week.

“We are fully committed to providing the upgraded junction in line with the approved planning permission, which will also ensure the junction is completed as a priority, and prior to the superstructure of the new homes being built.

“We are currently in the final stages of negotiations with Suffolk County Council with regard to timings, and will announce them as soon as they are confirmed.”

Campaigners fighting for improvements at the junction say accidents have increased over the past five years due the number of nearby housing developments and more recently, with traffic avoiding ongoing construction works on the A14.

They have dubbed the crossroads as ‘lethal’ - and recently called for a halt on all housing developments to allow infrastructure works to be carried out.

Bloor Homes intend to build a ‘staggered junction’ on approach to Fishwick Corner, as part of an approved 210- home development off nearby Beyton Road.

Mid Suffolk District Council made it a condition that work on the junction is completed before the homes.

Some residents feel the changes however will not solve the problem.

At present, up to 1,248 new homes have been approved in Thurston across seven sites including Ixworth Road, Norton Road, Beyton Road and Barton Road.

Fishwick corners lies in the district of West Suffolk.

Suffolk County Council Highways and West Suffolk Council have been approached for comment.