POLITICIANS have repeated calls for improved safety along the A35 after four people were injured on the 'very dangerous' stretch of road at Morcombelake.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin visited the area last week, and has backed safety calls from a councillor who has described the road as the 'biggest difficulty' in west Dorset.

A 65-year-old man sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his pelvis, leg and arm, following the two-car collision on Monday afternoon.

The crash took place between Charmouth and Morcombelake, near Tizard's Knap - causing severe delays for motorists as police closed the road whilst firefighters worked to free two of the casualties.

One of the cars involved ended up partially in a hedge.

The collision was between a silver Mercedes, registered to a man from Swanage and a blue Mazda, registered to a woman from Dorchester.

The driver of the Mazda was airlifted to Southampton Hospital.

In addition, the driver of the Mercedes was taken by ambulance to Exeter Hospital with serious leg and pelvic injuries.

Two other people were also taken to hospital with their injuries, another to Exeter Hospital and one to Dorchester County Hospital but these were not though to be serious.

Mr Letwin has given his backing to campaigners wanting a 40mph speed limit to be extended to cover western Morcombelake.

He said: "I visited this area last week and I think there is no doubt that it is a dangerous spot.

"We need both an extension of the 40mph speed limit to the west and a crossing near the two bus stops.

"I am now expecting to receive a formal request from the parish council - and I will then be pressing for both of these changes."

A councillor also believes action needs to be taken to improve the safety of motorists.

Cllr Simon Christopher, West Dorset District Council ward member for Chideock and Symondsbury, said: "I think the A35 west of Bridport is the greatest difficulty for us in west Dorset.

"It certainly is a very dangerous road and it is obviously very distressing for the families of those involved in any accidents. I talk about the dangers of the A35 at every meeting I speak at, and local people really do want something done about it."

Cllr Christopher has suggested a range of safety measures including lowering the speed limit, dedicated cycle routes away from the A35, as well as a neighbourhood speed watch.

"Some people in Morcombelake have even suggested that some of the dangerous junctions should be closed altogether," he said.

"I know that it is top of the agenda of both Oliver Letwin and East Devon MP Neil Parish, and I'm confident progress can be made."