A CONCERNED councillor has written to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to demand work starts on improving an accident black-spot.

Further delays were announced last month to a scheme to replace the central reservation crossover points on the A66 outside the village of Longnewton.

The stretch of road, dubbed Death Mile, claimed its latest victim in October -an elderly driver who tried to cross the busy carriageway.

There have been 35 serious accidents on the A66 outside the village between 1987 and 1992.

In 1985, seven people died in seven months on the dual carriageway between the villages of Sadberge, Longnewton and Elton.

Liberal Democrat ward councillor Mike Cherrett wrote the letter to Mr Darling on December 3. He said: "If you do not know the history of this site and the carnage that has been caused over the years, I suggest you get your department to do a little research and then you may put Longnewton a little higher on your list of priorities."

Mr Cherrett outlined the devastating effects the accidents have caused to residents of the villages.

He said it has been a problem since he became a councillor six years ago.

"Even before then, my predecessor battled to get something done It is of the highest importance that work starts as soon as possible, before more people lose their lives," he said.

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor is also backing the campaign and urged Government officials to order the installation of flashing lights on the A66 before anyone else dies. Plans to replace the central reservation crossover points were put forward in the 1980s. In April 2001, the Government said the work would take place, but funding has not been provided.

Mr Cherrett said: "I just hope Mr Darling takes this seriously and gets work started as soon as possible in the new year."