URGENT calls have been made for safety improvements at a Ferndown accident blackspot.

Residents and town councillors fear it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident at the junction of Wimborne Road and Victoria Road.

They say the problem is caused by vehicles turning right and taking a chance there will be a gap in the oncoming traffic.

Difficulties also occur with motorists turning into the nearby Post Office car park.

Mark Wallis, of Cliveden Close, said the junction was dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.

"There have been a number of nasty shunts as people try to beat the lights. Sometimes the filter light is working and sometimes it isn't. It doesn't seem to be consistent," he said.

"There's also a problem with vehicles coming from Victoria Road, turning right and then having to wait to cross the hatching to get into the Post Office car park."

Mayor Cllr John Rigler agreed something had to be done.

"A while ago the wife of a town councillor was injured as she crossed at the junction and I know one of the last big accidents involved a French driver who was bewildered by the signs."

"Around 3,500 children go to the nearby schools so you can imagine how many cars are using that junction each day," he added.

The town council has written to Dorset County Council asking for a pedestrian phase to be included in the traffic lights.

Helen Cardell, from the council's traffic control systems unit, said consultants would be carrying out a pedestrian survey at the junction, the results of which would then be considered.

"It also depends on the budget," she added.