THE campaign to get improvements to the notorious Barton crossroads on the A64 is being stepped up by a senior councillor.

County Coun Clare Wood, whose Hovingham and Sheriff Hutton ward includes the accident blackspot, told the Malton West Area police and community group meeting: “The junction is the worst and most dangerous on the A64.”

However, while the Highways Agency says it is not making the scheme a priority in its recently-announced £15 million spending programme on the A64, officers have told Coun Wood that some minor works are planned.

But a more extensive scheme is needed, said Coun Wood.

“It is vital that the police, Highways Agency and county council work together to bring about the improvements which are urgently needed at these busy crossroads.”

She said she would continue pressing for major improvements to be made a priority by the Regional Transport Board, of which she is a member.

Coun Wood said the crossroads, which serves the villages of Barton-le-Willows, Thornton-le-Clay, Foston, Bulmer and Whitwell-on-the-Hill, as well as Castle Howard, were especially dangerous because traffic approaches the roads, often at speed, coming down Barton Hill from the direction of York.

She said: “We need as much help as possible in our campaign to get the crossroads made safe.”

Insp Tim Hutchinson supported Coun Wood. He said: “It is not through lack of effort that the work has not been done already. It is frustrating that the scheme has not been put to the top of the list.”