A MOTORIST who smashed his car on one of Bolton's most dangerous roads is threatening to sue Blackburn Council.

Barney Wharton-Jones, the chairman of Bolton's Round Table, is urging fellow drivers who have also been involved in an accident on the notorious A675 Belmont Road to come forward.

The 38-year-old is considering a move to take Blackburn Council to court in a bid to force them to repair a "hazardous" stretch of road. Mr Wharton-Jones had a lucky escape when he lost control of his Toyota Celica last November.

His car was written off in the incident and caused Mr Wharton-Jones minor injuries.

He explained: "The police said I was very lucky. They said the strength of my car probably saved me. I wasn't going over the speed limit and know this road really well because I travel it a lot.

"The stone wall that I crashed into has since been hit by so many cars that there is now nothing left of it.

"And when I went back to the accident spot a few days later, I found several bumpers and bits and pieces from cars."

Mr Wharton-Jones claims that the stretch of road, about one mile from Belmont, does not have any safety warning signs for motorists.

He says the road surface is lethal, causing the front end of the car to slip away during wet weather.

Now he is hoping other motorists who have also experienced problems on Belmont Road to get in touch so they can take action "collectively".

Mr Wharton-Jones, an engineer by trade, added: "I know that other counties such as Lincolnshire use an anti-slip surface for blackspots like this.

"I know that the road has red bars on it and ice warnings but not on the stretch where many people have lost control of their vehicles.

"It's crazy. Blackburn Council are not doing enough.

"I think if motorists act as a group, put pressure on the council and threaten them were it hurts, they're going to listen."

The huge accident toll on the A675 currently stands at 47 casualties, including deaths and serious injury. It is heavily used by motorists travelling from Bolton to the M65.

Mr Wharton-Jones added: " I don't like litigation. I think it can be a waste of a lot of people's time and counter-productive.

"But I am willing to try for a court order and force Blackburn Council into action, not for financial gain but to make them do something about it."

Those who want to contact Mr Wharton-Jones can telephone 01204 595002 or e-mail him on barney.wj@setnet.co.uk

Steve Weaver, executive director from Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The council places a high priority on road safety and has reduced casualties across the borough by 25 per cent over the last year.

"However, we do however recognise that there is an issue on the A675 for which Blackburn with Darwen has part responsibility along with Bolton Metropolitan and Lancashire County Councils.

"In particular, we have introduced, as part of an accident reduction programme, red bar markings, improved signage and high visibility road lines.

"We have worked closely with police in tackling speeding motor cyclists on the A675 with the aim of control and education.

Mr Weaver said that he welcomed any suggestions which could improve on what has been done.

He said that Traffic and Transportation Manager Ian Richardson was also willing to meet to discuss the concerns of the road users."