DRIVERS speeding through Worsthorne could be forced to slow down if plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit go ahead.

Engineers from Lancashire County Council and Burnley Borough Council are looking into a series of measures designed to tackle Traffic problems in the village.

The move comes after Lancashire County Councillor for Worsthorne, Stephen Large, lobbied County Coun Jean Yates, the cabinet member for highways and transportation, over his concerns about congestion and roads being used as rat runs.

County Coun Large said: "Traffic congestion is one of the hot topics in my area and I am hoping that the engineers will come up with some solutions. The ball is in the borough council's court at the moment, but I am confident that they will be very keen to work together with us and residents."

In particular, he has asked the borough council to draw up plans for a 20mph zone off Ormerod Street and a one-way system around Extwistle Road and Water Street, which, he said, becomes a major rat run for motorists on football match days.

He added that he was also keen to get them to look into the problem of motorists flouting speed restrictions.

County Coun Large said: "The roads into Worsthorne village are also very wide and encourage speeding, which makes it hard for residents, particularly the elderly, to cross.

"Of course the final schemes will have to be designed in consultation with the residents, but I am confident we can decide on something that will please everyone."

The county council, which would provide the majority of the funding needed for any measures, has sent a letter to Burnley Council's engineers asking them to put forward proposals for new traffic calming measures.

David Wood, head of engineering for Burnley Council, said: "We will be looking at various options and proposals, which will be discussed at a meeting next week with county council traffic engineers and the police."