Work on installing traffic lights at the Newtown cross-roads could start in the spring after Herefordshire Council has completed a full assessment of the accident black-spot.

Yarkhill and Frome Ward councillor Robert Manning put the case for traffic lights before the council's cabinet on Friday.

Speaking this week, he said that traffic-calming measures had been installed at Newtown crossroads four years ago at the same time that traffic lights were installed at the Trumpet crossroads.

Until then, the accident rate of the Trumpet crossroads had been double that of Newtown.

But since then, there had been no accidents at the Trumpet crossroads and nine injury accidents at Newtown, including a fatality.

Coun Mike Wilson, cabinet member for highways, said that a number of measures at Newtown crossroads, including special warning signs, reducing the speed limit to 40mph, speed cameras and an anti-skid surface had led to a drop in accidents there up until the end of last year.

But he added: "Unfortunately, the figure has risen from two accidents last year to three so far this year, generating both professional and local concerns."

Coun Wilson said: "Their work is expected to be completed by early December, when the work will be discussed with Coun Manning.

"Subject to the outcome and availability of funding, works could be carried out in the new financial year."

Some local people worry that traffic lights could lead to the forecourt of Newtown Garage being blocked due to tailbacks, and this is currently one issue being looked into by council technicians.

The owner of Newtown Garage, Stephen Morgan, has put together a petition with 1,400 signatures in less than a month, opposing lights at the crossroads.

He fears that his forecourt could be blocked with tailbacks of up to 30 vehicles, that local residents could find themselves trapped in their homes and that they would have to deal with choking fumes from revving engines.

Mr Morgan said the situation had actually occurred when temporary lights had been installed in the past, for road works to be carried out.

He added: "This is not the Trumpet crossroads. These are totally different crossroads with a totally different traffic flow.

"Something needs to be done, but traffic must be kept free-flowing. A roundabout is the real answer."

Failing that, Mr Morgan favours traffic-calming measures.