GWYNEDD councillors have urged authorities to improve safety on a stretch of the A487 near Porthmadog after a grandmother died following a crash on Sunday.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the two-vehicle crash on Sunday that led to the tragic death of 49-year-old Jacky Owen, who was from the Stoke on Trent area.

Mrs Owen, whose family have described her as “the most loving, care person you could ever meet”, passed away at the scene after a crash between the scooter she was riding and a HGV.

Local councillor Stephen Churchman and Porthmadog councillor Alwyn Gruffydd said they both had concerns about safety on the road, with Cllr Churchman saying that a proposed safety scheme had stalled after the Welsh Government rejected a funding bid.

He said: “I have been expressing concerns about it for a number of years, and have been pushing for major improvements.

“A scheme has been developed by the Trunk Road Agency, but it failed to attract Welsh Government funding last year and again this year.

The scheme remains on the list seeking funding and will be considered again next year.

“There have been a number of accidents along this section of road between Bethel Road junction and Llwyn Mafon in recent years.

“Naturally, I am saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life in this accident. Of course it is too soon to draw any conclusions as to what has happened, but my sincere condolences are extended to the lady’s family.”

Cllr Gruffydd said: “The whole community was shocked to hear about Sunday’s fatality on the A487 near Glan Byl, Penmorfa.

“But somehow it came of no great surprise locally considering the lay-out of the road at this juncture. Indeed, this immediate area is renowned for its accidents and whilst some road improvements have been undertaken over the years it remains a road traffic accident blackspot that needs urgent attention before other families are left bereaved in this way.”

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