COMMUNITY leaders have united in calling for further safety action on the notorious A530 Middlewich Road in Crewe after another death highlighting its 'horrendous' accident record.

Councillors and council candidates from all political groups have joined forces this week after the tragic death of Sandbach teenager Laura Jenkins.

The 18-year-old's death on the 60mph stretch past Leighton Hospital has left her family devastated and the community reeling with shock after another life claimed on the road they call a 'deathtrap'.

Wistaston Green Labour councillor Tom Dunlop spearheaded a campaign for safety action in 2005, after seven people died on the A530 putting it in the national news.

He said: 'Between 2003 and 2005 there were 400 road casualties overall on the A530 - an average of four a week.

'In the same period there were 22 fatalities, which is the highest in the county.

'Judging by official figures, it is clearly a major source of road casualties in Crewe and Nantwich borough.'

Leighton ward Conservative campaigner John Jones said: 'Action needs to be taken to slow traffic down on this very dangerous road. It is an obvious candidate for speed cameras.'

St Barnabas ward Conservative campaigner Judy Fox added: 'Parents everywhere will be saddened by this tragic waste of life.

'I firmly believe the whole stretch, from Nantwich to Middlewich, should be 40mph. We can't take any chances with this horrendous road and, certainly, the area can't stand to hear of more young lives being lost.'

Laura, of Bradwall Road in Sand-bach, died when her Peugeot 106 was involved in a head-on collision with a Vauxhall Corsa, driven by a Crewe man who survived.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened at 11.15pm on Tuesday, last week, near the en-trance to Leighton Hall Farm.

Farmer Michael Vernon said: 'Cars come past at all hours really fast. There should be speed cameras. They are definitely needed here.'

A 40mph limit was imposed in the stretch past the Rising Sun pub and the A530's junction with Wistaston Green Road last year, but campaigners say it should cover the whole route.

Cheshire County Council says it is carrying out a major review of speed limits on all A and B roads.

A spokeswoman added: 'Our condolences go to the family of Laura Jenkins. However, we cannot comment on the accident as an inquest is to take place.

'As far as speed limits are concerned, they will be changed if considered appropriate following the review.'