Market Deeping business and town in fear over sharp bend

Businesses and councillors in Market Deeping fear a sharp 90-degree bend on the Northfields Industrial Estate could be the scene of a serious or fatal accident unless county highways officials take action. Photo by Tim Wilson.

At least three minor incidents were reported in Blenheim Way, off Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping, on Tuesday, including one where a motorcyclist came off his bike.

Rain on Tuesday may have played a part in all three accidents, but people working from the industrial estate and councillors believe county highways officials must act before someone is seriously injured or killed.

A businessman whose office is based at Northfields, who asked not to be named, said: “The bend is certainly a problem and since I’ve started working here last October, there’s been about 20 incidents here.

“In the space of two hours on Tuesday, a motorcyclist lost control, skidded and came off his bike and two cars spun round after losing control on the bend.

“Fortunately, nobody was hurt but I’ve had numerous communciations with the highways department to say that it gets ludicrously dangerous in Blenheim Way when it rains.

“We’ve had cars that have ended up on their roofs and, whilst I would suggest that 50 per cent of people are going too fast and not taking into consideration the conditions, something needs to be done or else there will be a serious accident or fatality.”

The matter has been taken up by Market Deeping Town Council whose mayor, Coun Wayne Lester, said: “We are aware of the issues at the corner of Blenheim Way, Market Deeping, and have been working with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Highways Department, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and the police to understand the reasons for the spate of incidents.

“This council, along with South Kesteven district and county councillors are pursuing improvements to the signage and the road surface from LCC.”

But Kevin Brumfield, LCC area highways manager, said: “I met with a local police inspector on site to assess the situation and we agreed that there are adequate warning signs on the approach to the bend.

“The police have stated that drivers have to take responsibility and drive according to the conditions of the road.”