WORK will finally begin next month on a new roundabout at a notorious traffic accident blackspot in Thurstaston.

The new road layout is designed to cut down on the number of accidents that have occurred over the years on Telegraph Road at its junction with Irby Road and Station Road, near to the Cottage Loaf pub.

Wirral Council has been attempting to install the roundabout from as long ago as 2003 but was held up in legal wrangles over the ownership of surrounding land.

However, it is expected that work will now begin next month.

The first phase of the scheme was completed in October 2008.

During that phase new sandstone walls and fencing for landowners were put in place and work to divert utility companies' pipes and cables in preparation for the main scheme was also completed.

The council said this week: "Subject to completing the remaining land purchase the final part of the programme is provisionally scheduled to begin in mid September.

"We have worked closely with conservation officers and the roundabout has been developed to ensure it is in keeping with the existing environment.

"Red sandstone will be used in the boundary walling and conservation kerbing will be put in place."

The roundabout central island will be an oval shape and landscaped with a feature of sandstone boulders surrounded by miniature gorse and heather plants.

It will be slightly larger than the nearby roundabout at Caldy.

New street lighting will be installed at the roundabout, designed to pool light on the roadway in order to reduce light pollution.

The present ornamental gateway to the former Ismay estate will remain as it is at present and the access from Station Road will be enhanced with block paving.

"Road safety is a major priority for the council, and the new scheme includes enhanced pedestrian facilities to assist people crossing the road," the spokeswoman added.

It is expected that the works will take approximately six months and include completion of the utility pipe and cable diversions.

The roundabout will be constructed in two halves by running traffic on Telegraph Road along a temporary roadway in conjunction with closures of Thurstaston Road and Station Road to through traffic.

Prior to the work beginning, residents, schools and businesses will be informed of the exact start date as soon as it is confirmed.

Full traffic details, temporary road closures and diversionary routes will be provided and detailed on roadside signs.

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.

The council's technical services boss Dave Green said: "With this roundabout we plan to reduce the speed limit on the approach to 30mph - making this junction much safer for both road users and pedestrians.

"Every effort is being made to ensure that the scheme is environmentally sound – we’ve been working closely with conservation officers and our proposals are in keeping with the theme of the local landscape.

"We have been involved in a lengthy consultation with residents and land owners throughout the design process."