FIREFIGHTERS are calling on motorists to take greater care following a smash on the A556 at Hartford.

The accident took place at the junction with Carriage Drive, a track leading from the bypass to Vale Royal Abbey, just before 9am on Wednesday. It blocked the nearside lane for a time, causing delays for commuters.

The accident involved a British Waterways Ford Transit pick-up and a Renault Espace.

Although both vehicles were badly damaged in the incident the occupants escaped with relatively minor injuries. Firefighters administered first aid until paramedics arrived and the driver of the pick-up, who sustained an injury to his shoulder, was taken to Leighton Hospital.

Crew manager Dave Rose said: 'We are attending a high number of calls to crashes this year, and ask everyone to take care on our roads during cold and wet weather.'