A 'DANGEROUS' embankment at a popular wood is to get a safety fence after cars and an elderly woman fell down it.

The drop, by the entrance to Sunnyhurst Wood off Earnsdale Road, is used by walkers, workmen with vans and disabled visitors in cars.

It is wide enough for one car before it falls away at an angle of 45 degrees for about 100ft.

President of the Friends of Sunnyhurst Wood, Denis Gillibrand, said: "In the past we have had quite a few cars and one lady go over the edge.

"The fire brigade and ambulance have had to come and winch them up.

"The woman got entangled in some trees. I believe it wasn't a pretty sight.

"It is quite dangerous and a lot of elderly people tend to go that way.

"Over several meetings we have discussed the poor state of the entrance and we've had two risk assessments done.

"The fence will be wooden, about 35m long and about 3ft high.

"It is what people want and that is what we are all about."

Peter Hunt, director of regeneration and environ-ment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "A short length of safety fencing is to be installed alongside the track at the Earnsdale Road entrance to the wood at a cost of around £1,800.

"This work will be done in the near future."

Coun Dave Hollings, representative of the Sunnyhurst ward, said that he was in favour of the fence after hearing reports of accidents.

He said: "There has been the odd occasion where vehicles have gone over and I believe thet it is quite difficult to get them back again.

"As long as the fence is designed so that it is inkeeping with the surrounding environment, I think it is a very good idea."