Highway officials are trying to take the sting out of a notorious accident blackspot - but it may result in extra problems a few miles along the road.

Hammerpot, on the A27 north of Angmering, has a poor record for crashes there have been a number of deaths there in recent years.

The problem is caused by motorists crossing through a gap in the central reservation, often into the path of vehicles doing 70mph as they head west down a steep hill.

During the past ten years there have been three fatalities and 46 injuries in accidents on the dual carriageway at the scene.

The Highways Agency now wants to close the gap, opposite the Woodman Arms pub, but this will mean west-bound cars and lorries wishing to come back the way they came having to do a U-turn several miles along the A27 at Poling.

East-bound traffic heading for Angmering will have to travel on to the Patching roundabout, near the Coach and Horses pub.

Brian Carter, manager of the Woodman Arms, said: "I think it is a good idea to close the gap considering the amount of accidents there.

"You usually get one crash a month, sometimes serious, but over the summer we had three in eight days."

People have until December 19 to comment on the proposal. Written statements of support or objection should be sent to the Operations Directorate, Highways Agency, Federated House, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SZ, quoting the reference HA/A27/41/7/119.