Darlaston canal tragedy: Calls to improve Black Country New Road after Dean Strong death
There were calls to today to improve a section of the Black Country New Road used by thousands of drivers every day in Moxley.
Darlaston South councillors Paul and Chris Bott have raised concerns about the road, saying the carriageway has deteriorated and desperately needs to be resurfaced.
They have also called for better road markings, traffic-calming measures and a clean-up of road signs and litter surrounding the busy route.
It comes after 31-year-old Dean Strong died after his car plunged into Walsall Canal, along a section of the route near Aldi last month. Two passers-by pulled Mr Strong out of the water after his vehicle ploughed into the canal on October 8. His car had gone around 32ft down an embankment.
Councillor Chris Bott said she has been campaigning for road improvements for more than a year.
She said: "For the last 18 months we have campaigned about the state of this road.
"We have met with a manager from clean and green on site. All what gets done is cosmetic.
"Road signage is covered by vegetation, anti-glare barriers have been missed for a long period of time on the Holyhead Road.
"We call on the council to resurface all the Black Country New Road, with better road markings and better speed restrictions on both side of this road.
"Myself and Paul would like to send our condolences to the family of Dean Strong. This probably wouldn't of prevented this accident but these issues need addressing."
Councillor Paul Bott added: "The central reservation is also overgrown and the litter is appalling.
"The barriers around Moxley Island all need replacing.
"The council need to find the money to do this.
"I have asked the question at a full council meeting but all that gets done is cosmetic.
"They cut a few twigs back and pick up some litter and that's it.
"There's an important issue with speed on the road itself. There are drivers who regularly exceed the speed limit. Something needs to be done about this."
Walsall Council was unavailable for comment.
Dozens of flower bouquets were placed at the scene where Mr Strong was pulled out of the water after his vehicle plunged into Walsall Canal last month. Assistant coroner Kally Cheema opened his inquest at Smethwick Council House and gave his preliminary cause of death as hypoxic brain injury and submersion in water. A full inquest into the circumstances surrounding Mr Strong's death is due to be held on November 16.
