FRESH calls have been made to improve a notorious accident blackspot on the A69 after a pedestrian was killed in a late-night crash.

Police were called at 10.15pm on Tuesday to a report of a crash on the road between Corby Hill and Hayton involving a black Volkswagen Golf and a pedestrian.

The road was closed for several hours to allow accident investigation work to be carried out by specialist police teams.

City councillor Raymond Tinnion – who also serves on Hayton Parish Council – told the News & Star: “My thoughts go out to the man’s family. It’s so sad to hear about this just after Christmas.

“I was in fact on my way back from a city council meeting in Carlisle when it happened, and was directed by police along an alternative route to get home.

“There have been numerous accidents on that part of the road in recent years, and I have previously met with representatives from Highways England to discuss what can be done about it.

“My suggestion would be to straighten the road between Corby Hill and Hayton to stop any further accidents in this area.

“I’d also like to see the speed limit change from an advisory 40mph to a compulsory one.”

A spokesman from Cumbria Police said: “As a result of the collision, the pedestrian, a local man aged in his forties, died at the scene.

“His family have been informed and a family liaison officer has been appointed. The driver, a man in his twenties, was uninjured.

“The road was closed for several hours whilst a forensic collision investigation and recovery was carried out.

“Anyone who may have seen the pedestrian, who was spotted in the Warwick Bridge area prior to the collision, should get in touch. He was believed to have been wearing black trousers and an orange jacket.”

Witnesses who saw the crash, or have dashcam footage should call 101 and ask to speak to PC1636 Robbins or Sgt 2219 Young, quoting log 217 of January 7.