VILLAGERS near York are demanding road improvements following an horrific car crash which claimed four lives.

Three young friends and a pensioner were killed in the head-on collision between a Ford Escort and a Peugeot 306 on the B1224 near Rufforth.

Rufforth villagers today claimed they had complained to the authorities about the road's dangers and its "poor condition" for years.

A spokesman for City of York Council said they were implementing a £180,000 scheme to improve the road in March.

Chris Wilson, who lived in the village for 16 years before moving to Woodthorpe, said: "The road is a complete death-trap.

"My mother drives the Wetherby Road every day and recently had a nasty accident there herself. Sunday's tragic accident was not a one-off - they're happening all the time. It's in a complete state and desperately needs repairing."

Rufforth postmaster Steve Mackinnon said: "Something needs to be done and quickly.

"It's a nightmare coming down there on a wet night."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "We have acknowledged for some time that this section of the highway needs upgrading and in response to our own regular inspections and to residents' comments we have programmed a £180,000 scheme of improvements. However, it is important to point out that while we feel the road needs improvements we have had signs along it for some time warning of the likely road conditions and advising motorists to take appropriate care."

Meanwhile, inquests into the four crash victims have been opened and adjourned.

York College student Rochelle Laverack, 16, of Clifton, York, Jonathan Forster, 20, of Tadcaster, and Matthew Fox, 19, of Stutton, Tadcaster, were travelling in the Ford Escort. The driver of the Peugeot, Gordon Browne, 70, of Keighley, West Yorkshire, died at the scene of the crash. His wife Hilary, 63, a passenger in the Peugeot, was taken to York District Hospital suffering from serious injuries.

York coroner Donald Coverdale opened and adjourned the inquests yesterday.

Police are still seeking witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 01609 783131.

Updated: 11:40 Wednesday, January 30, 2002