An MP has called for a 'notorious' stretch of the A590 to be straightened.

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell made the call as Highways England is to stage a public consultation this month seeking views on how to improve sections of the A590, particularly around accident blackspots.

Highways England is looking to make improvements to stretches including Bouth Lane End, between Greenodd and Bouth, and the Haverthwaite junction.

Once potential improvements have been identified, the body will seek to secure funding from central government.

In the past it has been suggested the Bouth Lane End section, between Greenodd roundabout and Roam Wood, could be straightened by purchasing some of the adjoining farmland and potentially even converting it to a dual carriageway.

In the last three years 15 people have been killed or seriously injured in collisions on the stretch of road.

Simon Fell MP has backed calls from motorists for the road to be straightened.

"This stretch of the road is notoriously bad - and it’s right that Highways England are asking for suggestions. But we need more than suggestions - we have to take action," he said.

"A single death on this stretch is one too many, and we’re now far past that point.

"We need to straighten this stretch and better manage the speed of vehicles travelling on it, especially at night.

"I’d urge people to get involved and add their voice to the call for improvements."

Highways England is holding a public drop-in session at Levens Valley School in Haverthwaite on February 24 between 2pm and 7pm.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “At the drop-in session we will be identifying the places where we understand there are issues on this part of the network, the nature of those issues and set out in broad terms what could be done."