RESIDENTS shocked by a fatal accident outside their homes have pledged to make the road safer.

People at Rock Villas, Blackwood, are forming an action group after the death of an 18-year-old Aberbargoed man on the stretch of A4048 between Blackwood and Argoed last week.

Wayne Davies, of Bedwellty Road, was thrown from a car which crashed as it was taking a left-hand bend on the road.

Mr Davies, who had been a passenger in the car, died of head injuries. His funeral was held yesterday. The two other teenagers who had been in the car were released from hospital after treatment.

Now local people say they will "never give up" until safety on the road is improved. Susan Radford said: "I have lived at the Rock for 23 years and the tragedy last week was an accident waiting to happen."

Wayne Adams, who has lived nearby for four years, said there had been many accidents on that stretch of the A4048 - at least ten in the last 12 months, he claimed. He said: "We are determined to fight for a safer road, both for the residents and all who use this main highway.

"It is a sure thing, given time, that a tragedy will happen again." He added that the accident last Sunday had traumatised everyone.

"Eight people had to take Monday off work because they were so upset," he said. The residents are to campaign for the speed limit of 40mph to be reduced and they also want 'go slow' signs on the road, and speed chicanes.

They are planning to put notices in their gardens, asking drivers to reduce speed. They also plan to write to their MPs, Assembly Members, Blackwood police and Caerphilly council.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge is to present a petition, signed by residents, to the council next month.

He has also tabled a motion asking for urgent action on the road, which will be discussed in October.

He said: "This road must be given priority."

The group will hold a meeting at Argoed Community Hall at 7.30pm next Wednesday, July 25, and have issued all residents with an action plan.