THE speed limit at a notorious rural blackspot is to be slashed in a bid to save lives, council bosses and police have revealed.

County council staff will start work within weeks on improving a stretch of Whalley Road, near Read, known locally as Devil's Elbow.

In the past five years, five serious accidents have been reported at the site.

And in December last year, since the most recent statistics have been compiled, a 26-year-old man from Ramsbottom has died after being involved in a crash there.

Under the proposals, the 50mph speed limit will be reduced to 40mph, while a state-of-the-art road surface will also be installed.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Clitheroe Police, said: "We have been told it will a ridged road surface, which is bumpy to drive across, and it should encourage people to slow down on.

"It is a notorious stretch of road and I have no idea why people continue to speed along there, but they do. This is good news because, hopefully, it will help saves lives and prevent any more serious injury.

"I know it is one of the biggest concerns residents in the area have."

The police will also use mobile speed traps.

Coun Chris Holtom, former leader of Ribble Valley Council, welcomed the news, announced at a meeting of the borough's police and community forum. He said: "People not taking into consideration the road conditions and just thinking they can do whatever speed they like had caused a lot of problems along that stretch of road.

"I am pleased that this action is being taken but drivers now have to understand why it is being done."

One resident who attended the meeting, and asked not to be named, said: "The road is a frightening one to drive along.

"It is used as a short cut and it terrifies me the number of times I have seen cars come off the road, collide or only just miss each other."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We plan to incorporate speed bars into the design as well."