“The council absolutely have to act”: Road safety on the A56 slammed after two serious accidents – one of which was fatal – occurred just 0.2miles apart in three days.

Helena Thurm, 25, was killed after being struck by a car near to the Park Road junction on the A56 on Monday and another pedestrian was knocked down just 350 yards away, near to the Langdale junction, on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old woman who was injured in yesterday’s incident was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital for injuries to her ribs and bruising.

With two accidents in such a short period of time and just yards apart, many people on social media have blasted the A56 roadworks operation, saying it is putting lives at danger.

The arterial road is currently undergoing a widening project at the junction of Park Road as part of a £2million programme by One Trafford to improve vital transport links.

The left hand lane has been turned into left turn only and Altrincham-bound traffic has been reduced to one lane, resulting in endless tailbacks.

The roadworks operation had previously been branded a ‘circus’ and ‘ludicrous’ by frustrated motorists.

Leader of Trafford Council Cllr Sean Anstee said: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved in the two tragic events on the A56 this week. We are supporting Greater Manchester Police with their investigation into the cause of these accidents and we will continue to do everything we can to help.

“Trafford Council and Amey appreciate that roadworks are frustrating, but upon completion hope that residents and visitors will welcome the long-term benefits such as the safer pedestrian crossings and swifter journeys for motorists this major project will deliver.

“The temporary traffic management currently in place is the only viable option to complete the works in the safest and most timely manner possible with every effort being made to complete the works at the programmed end date in August.”

Leader of Trafford Labour Party Cllr Andrew Western said that something must be done to improve road safety on the A56, not only during the roadworks period but in the long term.

“In my view, the council absolutely have to act,” he said. “They must make sure that accidents like this don’t happen again. It is dreadful – one person has lost their life and another has been injured. It’s imperative that this is sorted out as quickly as possible.”