THE tenant of a pub on the busy junction where a motorcyclist died in a car crash is pushing for the road layout to be changed.

A 47-year-old man died at the scene of a collision involving a Lexus and a Piaggio Scooter on a stretch of the B4019 between Highworth and the A419 on Wednesday morning.

The Freke Arms looks out onto the turn-off for Hannington, where the accident happened, so David Longman and his chef were first on the scene.

He said: "It was horrible to see someone lying dead in front of me. And still people are hitting that bend at speed or trying to cut the corner.

"I've seen three major accidents on this corner in the two years I've worked here and the chef has seen five in four years.

"It's dangerous at the best of times, with low visibility and a reverse camber. There's a 50mph speed limit on the B4019 but people should be going 25 at most when they turn that corner.

"It's going to happen again and there will be more fatalities if nothing changes, something needs to be done."

Shortly after police confirmed the death of the motorcyclist, Mr Longman announced on social media that he is starting a petition to change the layout of the road and asked if anyone would be interested in signing it.

It received dozens of supportive comments in less than a day, with traffic calming measures or a roundabout suggested as possible ideas for the junction.

Mr Longman added: "New bollards went up a few months ago but the grass in front of them on the verge is so overgrown that you can only see the tops of them from a distance. They're barely noticeable when you drive past.

"I tried to find out who was responsible for cutting the grass but in the end just did it myself because no-one seemed to know.

"I've had hundreds of people get in touch since I suggested the petition and everyone I've spoken to since thinks it's a good idea.

"I've heard from people who have lived in the area for decades and say it's always been a problem. Wednesday was the final straw. I don't know what the cost of changing the junction would be but surely if it saves lives, it would be worth it."

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “[The motorcyclist's] next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time. The road was closed for several hours and reopened at approximately 6pm. Our investigation continues. If you have any information regarding the collision, please call 101.”