A ROAD once branded an accident blackspot has been removed as a policing priority.

Police have this week confirmed that the B4509 at Tortworth, which was the scene of a fatal car accident last summer, will no longer be a priority for them at the request of local people.

However, officers have said that in the last 12 months the road has undergone a number of improvements, making it safer for motorists.

The decision to remove the B4509 as a policing priority was made at the latest meeting of the Charfield Safer Stronger Community Group.

The road had been listed as a priority for the group for almost two years but local people decided at the latest meeting that efforts by the police and South Gloucestershire Council to improve the road were proving successful.

Halla Kamel, 45, of Yate, was killed last July when her car came off the road. Avon coroner Paul Forrest ruled in February that the poor condition of the road surface and the amount of surface water was to blame for Mrs Kamel losing control.

Mr Forrest also said at the time that he would be making recommendations to South Gloucestershire Council's highways to complete road improvements on the B4509.

Since the accident South Gloucestershire Council has spent £15,000 on road improvements including changing the road surface, reducing vegetation and increasing signage.

Sgt Craig Ogborne, of Thornbury Police Station, said: "Resurfacing works have now been carried out by South Gloucestershire Council and in addition to this speed camera signs have been erected and the area will now also be targeted by the Safer Camera Partnership.

"Because action has now been taken on this road people have decided to remove it as a policing priority. We will however being keeping an eye on the road and monitoring the situation."