SPEEDING drivers are pushing villagers to the limit.

Residents living in Hawkshaw are calling for measures to stop motorists exceeding the 30mph speed limit in Bolton Road and Ramsbottom Road.

At last week's meeting of the Ramsbottom and Tottington area board, campaigning villager Mr Steve Hall presented a detailed report on the dangers of speeding traffic in the village to Inspector Steve Clark.

Mr Hall, who lives in Ramsbottom Road, said: "We want some sort of action to reduce the speed or there will be a serious accident."

Recently three cars parked outside cottages were damaged after a crash in the middle of the night. Residents say their cars are regularly damaged with wing mirrors broken off by passing cars and more serious damage running into "thousands of pounds".

Mr Hall said: "This is in spite of parking well onto the pavement to try to prevent this. The average speed now must be well over 40 mph."

Neighbours have suggested speed cameras are placed at the gateway of the village just before the 30mph speed zone; speed activated signs to alert motorists to slow down; "slow" markings on the approach to the village; and red hazard markings on the road surface.

Insp Clark said officers would be monitoring the traffic travelling through the village.

"I have a copy of Mr Hall's report which I will be studying," said Mr Clark, "I will have a look at the traffic situation and call in the traffic unit if I notice there is a problem. Depending on the results I would work closely with Bury Council to discuss ways of slowing traffic."