A “DANGER junction” is set to be improved following mine planning approval.

Residents had shared their fears over the safety of Mirehouse Road/St Bees Road junction in Whitehaven, calling for action before “innocent people get killed”.

With planning permission being granted to West Cumbria Mining for “one of the most modern mines in the world”, the busy junction is expected to see an increase in traffic once work begins.

An obligation for WCM to fund improvements to the “accident black spot” junction has therefore been added to the plans under Section 106.

Whitehaven South ward Copeland Council representative Councillor Carl Walmsley was desperate to see changes made after a person was cut from their car following an accident at the junction in early August.

Coun Walmsley had previously said he “can not and will not wait for somebody to die” at the junction, and is “delighted” that improvements have already been made.

“I can’t thank WCM enough for not just hearing our cries for help, but for answering them,” he said.

“I haven’t seen the plans just yet, but I honestly believe if successful, WCM may just have prevented potential loss of life.”

He added: “I’d like to also thank county councillor Chris Whiteside – he’s worked really hard to push for these changes, and has kept residents in the loop via the Mirehouse Matters page.

Since the road safety issue was raised during an Engineering Safety Study last year, the council ensured road markings were repainted to make the rules of the junction clearer for road users.

Coun Walmsley extended his thanks to the highways team for their work, “especially on the dreaded junction”, and said it has made the road “clearer and safer for all users” until more permanent changes are made by WCM.

The junction has seen eight recorded collisions in the past five years, as well as the death of a swan, and County Councillor Chris Whiteside is “extremely pleased” the road will be made safer.

“It’s very good news that the mine got planning permission confirmed, and that, along with the council, will improve the safety of the junction,” he said.

“The council have already taken action by re-painting the road markings because after a road safety issue was raised, we didn’t want to wait. It’s the right thing to do – we definitely don’t want accidents at that junction.”

West Cumbria Mining is currently unable to comment on the agreement, but is “delighted” to be granted planning permission, and thanked everyone who supported the project.

They said: “WCM can now start the process of delivering on its plan to build one of the most modern mines in the world.

“It will supply the UK and international steel industry, deliver hundreds of local jobs and deliver a first-class supply chain across the county.”