Peter Hegney, who lives in the village and has his own business, had to take three months off work after a head-on collision on the 90-degree corner at Townfoot last December.

Three more accidents followed, but another crash last Thursday between a car and a pick-up truck prompted the dad-of-three to raise renewed concerns about the safety of the road layout.
Mr Hegney said: "This is the fourth crash on that bend since I had the accident last year, and it's really starting to concern me as a professional driver.

"I came round there this morning to find a car and a pick-up in the road which had obviously had a side-on shunt.

"The sharp angle of the bend is a real problem, because people go into it far too fast, especially if they don't know the road or if they are driving at night.

"There are no warnings at all. The least that should be there is a sign with chevrons to alert drivers.

"I'd personally like to see the bend completely changed, but that depends on the council and the landowner."

Mr Hegney added: "The road is heavily used by kids, either on bikes or walking, and in its current state it's a death-trap.

"Something has to be done before someone is killed."

Northumbria Police said Thursday's accident at the bend involved a Subaru car and a Mitsubishi pick-up.

No-one was reported injured.

Local district and parish councillor Elisabeth Haddow said: "We have said for a very long time that the corner is dangerous, but county highways has maintained that the road is adequate, which we clearly dispute.

"I have contacted the county again following the latest accident, and have requested a site visit is held. This issue must be addressed."

Parish councillor Jeff Moss, who lives in the house closest to the bend, added: "There should be signs coming up from the Alnwick way, because there aren't any.

"For many drivers coming up the road it's a last minute swing and it's just a matter of time before a serious accident happens."

A Northumberland County Council spokesman said "We will discuss concerns raised with Northumbria Police and we are planning to visit the site and will investigate what remedial measures can be introduced."