WELLINGTON Town Council is to discuss one of the town's busy lay-bys amid fears that an accident is just around the corner.

The road pull-in bay on Beech Hill is used by many of the town's residents to use the nearby shop and hairdresser's. But a lack of road markings, the size of the bay, and its position on the corner of the road, forces motorists to park their cars endon - leaving vehicles protruding on to the road.

While there have been no serious accidents so far, local people who have seen the situation have told the County Gazette about their concerns.

Brian Sneddon, who part-owns Beech Hill Stores, said he would support any change to the lay-by which increased the safety of his customers.

He said: "The problem is the lay-by is not big enough for a large car like an estate.

"What's happening is people park head on rather than parallel to the pavement so the ends of the car sticks out into the road.

"Of course, I don't want the thing removed because I would lose all my passing trade and I need that."

One option would be to paint lines in the road to make cars park parallel, another is to put markings in the centre of the road to ensure vehicles are kept to one side.

"What needs to be done is an extension of the lay-by so the cars don't stick out", said Mr Sneddon.

"If markings were put in, then you could only park about three cars on the side of the road - if they are head-on, then you can geteight in at a time."

Town council chairman Bob Bowrah said: "We will certainly look at the issue as it was not something we knew was a problem. It is certainly a dangerous corner, so I will put it on the minutes of the next meeting.

"If anyone who uses the lay-by or the shopowners want to put across their points of view it will certainly be appreciated."

Somerset County Council will be responsible for carrying out any necessary work to the lay-by.