FEARS someone could be killed at a notorious Netherton traffic island are mounting after a catalogue of 30 accidents were recorded in the last three years.

Dudley Southern Bypass and Cinder Bank Island, a major gateway into the town, has become a potentially lethal stretch after a string of accidents, according to residents and councillors.

Now St Thomas's councillor Shaukat Ali has called for immediate action saying something has to be done to prevent further casualties at the busy route between Dudley and the Merry Hill Centre.

Dudley Council has proposed to bring in expert consultants at a cost of £10,000 to probe possible solutions after staging a site visit in July.

The idea will be discussed at the Central Dudley Area Committee meeting next Tuesday night (September 11).

Worried cllr Ali fears the island could become a death trap.

He said: "One accident is one too many. Something needs to be done to try to reduce the number of accidents.

"The next accident could be fatal and we have to make sure we prevent it.

"We found out some 30 accidents have taken place over the last three years. "That is a large number whether they are severe or otherwise.

"Most of those have resulted in hospital treatment.

"The island is quite heavily used by traffic. There are five exits and entrances there.

"It's very difficult to manoeuvre, it is one of the key islands and a major gateway into Dudley.

"There is concern with local people which is based on the number of accidents there.

"It would be a very complicated solution whatever it is."

The proposed £10,000 consultant's fee could be funded by the existing Integrated Transport Block of the Local Transport Plan.

l Above: Worried councillor Ali who is calling for action at Cinder Bank island. (360726L)