The aunt of a teenager who died after an accident at a notorious A64 blackspot is backing local residents' pleas for urgent safety improvements.

Jamie Morris from Northallerton was struck by a vehicle last week as he crossed the dual carriageway at Bilbrough Top, between York and Tadcaster, while walking from his work place at Armstrong-Massey to a bus stop on the York-bound carriageway.

He lost his fight for life last Friday and today his aunt Julie Morris spoke out about the accident blackspot, saying: "How many more fatalities or even accidents must happen before someone does something about it?

"My nephew was 16-years-old and had everything to live for. He had just started a new job and was happily getting on with his life."

Mrs Morris, who lives in Cambridge said she wanted to offer her full support to local residents in their fight for safety improvements at a location where accidents were happening all too often.

"I hope for their sake that someone will see sense and add whatever is needed to prevent any other family going through what we are experiencing at this time." She said she had heard about the call for safety improvements when she visited thisisyork, on Monday.

The Evening Press has been campaigning for a gap in the central reservation to be closed, following a series of accidents involving vehicles passing through the gap to cross to the other carriageway.

But villagers want measures to make it safer for pedestrians who have to cross the dual carriageway, such as overhead lighting and speed restrictions backed by cameras.

The Highways Agency revealed earlier this week that it is planning some interim safety measures later this year, but did not disclose what is planned.

An exhibition into long-term proposals for the junction at Bilbrough Top will be held at the Buckles Inn this Friday and Saturday and local people are urged to attend.

* A public meeting by local residents to discuss safety in the area takes place at 6.30 pm on Friday, January 26 at Askham Bryan College.

Updated: 09:30 Wednesday, January 17, 2001