CRIME prevention bosses are to meet councillors to outline their plans for stopping motorists racing through Ribble Valley villages.

The Ribble Valley Crime and Disorder Prevention Partnership, spearheaded by Ribble Valley Borough Council, has asked the police to address the problem of speeding motorists in rural areas following complaints from residents.

Police officers have been out and about with a laser speed detection device and data is being logged with a view to establishing the extent of the problem.

The matter will be discussed at a special meeting between the officials from Ribble Valley and Lancashire County councils and police on January 22.

Ribble Valley Borough Council policy development officer Bill Alker said: "Speeding in villages is one of the biggest single road safety issues in the eyes of our residents. We recognise that there is a lot of concern and are looking to ascertain the level of the problem. We look forward to receiving the police findings."

Coun Michael Ranson, who represents Waddington and West Bradford, said the problem had gone on for years and that fed-up residents wanted some action.

He said: "We are not talking about young lads, it is generally speaking with motorists not slowing to the villages' speed limits after being on the country roads.

"Perhaps they are not aware of the speed reductions. The villagers want Lancashire County Council to take some action, not speed cameras or laser guns, but to put up some signs or road bumps.

"Lancashire says it doesn't have any money and are not likely to for two or three years, but villagers are very frustrated.

"They feel if they lived in an urban area it would be done.

"The council says there has not been any deaths but we don't want to wait for a child to be killed before they take action. We want to avoid that."

Insp Bob Ford of Clitheroe Police and Martin Galloway, Lancashire County Council's traffic and safety policy officer, are to address the meeting of Ribble Valley Borough Council's parish councils liaison committee.