TINTWISTLE Bridge is set to have lights installed to help improve traffic flow.

People have been injured in four separate incidents at the narrow bridge at the bottom of New Road in the last three years, according to a local councillor.

Derbyshire County Council has secured an £80,000 grant from conservation body Natural England, although the cash has to be spent by the end of March.

Tintwistle county councillor Dave Wilcox has welcomed the move which he is hoping will improve safety at the accident blackspot.

"The number of injury accidents always understates the actual collisions that take place," he said.

"All injuries to people have to be reported to police, whereas bumps and prangs are a matter for insurance companies and are not on the public record.

"County council officers will have to develop a scheme which improves traffic safety and allows walkers, cyclists and horseriders to safely negotiate a new stretch of the Pennine Bridleway. I understand that they will have a well-considered outline proposal but that they will be amenable to suggested improvements from local people.

"Whatever scheme is put in place, there are bound to be some people who take a differing view. My sole interest is in making the bridge safe, reducing the number of accidents and ensuring crossing the road is safe for pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders."

He added: "I think it’s great news that Natural England has come up with the grant for the bridleway crossing. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth."