AN ACCIDENT blackspot in Hampshire has been named as one of the worst in the country for collisions involving cyclists.

In the past few years Ipley Crossroads has seen at least two fatalities and several other incidents in which people on bikes were hit by vehicles.

New figures show seven collisions at the isolated spot were reported to police between 2009 and 2015.

The accident toll emerged after digital mapping company Mapmechanics analysed national data from the Department for Transport and discovered that accidents involving cyclists had resulted in 139,628 casualties over the six-year period.

Ipley Crossroads - between Hythe and Beaulieu Road station - has been identified as one of the worst rural blackspots for cyclists.

It comes just days after Kieran Dix, 36, of Eastleigh, died in hospital two months after his bike was collision with a Vauxhall Zafira at the notorious junction.

Another fatality occurred there in 2012 when fellow cyclist Mark Brummell, 53, of Shirley, Southampton, was killed in a collision with a Renault Megane.

Following his death a white-painted bicycle was left at the scene of the tragedy but was later removed.

So-called Ghost Bikes have appeared across the UK after fatal crashes involving cyclists. The memorials aim to encourage motorists to take extra care near bicycles.

Ipley is where the Lyndhurst to Hythe road meets the Marchwood to Beaulieu route.

Local county councillor David Harrison has been contacted by a Marchwood resident who wants the crossroads to be converted into a staggered junction.

Under the proposal a short section of the Lyndhurst to Hythe road would be re-routed to create a T-junction just south of the current inter-section.

Cllr Harrison said: “It’s a strange crossroads. Although there’s an unobstructed view on all approaches - with clear signage - it’s been the scene of many accidents.“A resident has sent me a suggestion as to how the junction could be re-designed. I think it’s an excellent idea that would make it a lot safer in that vehicles not on the main road would be be forced to come to a halt.

“I’ve passed this on to the highways manager at the county council and asked that they consider the idea.”

The county council has already spent thousands of pounds on new markings and improved surfacing.

Cllr Rob Humby, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at the county council, said: “I was very sorry to hear of the tragic accident at Ipley crossroads at the end of last year where a cyclist died. “All serious accidents are investigated by the Casualty Reduction Partnership to consider the cause of the accident and the need for any remedial action.”