CAMPAIGNING horseriders have launched a petition to keep traffic-calming measures in place for safety's sake.

A petition is now being circulated around Tockholes against the feared removal of the measures.

The riders are worried they could be removed after other residents claimed they are an eyesore.

Other residents have complained that the measures, which include speed-humps and built-out chicanes, are too severe and damage vehicles. Lower speed limits have also been introduced.

Now livery riders from Waddington Farm stables are setting a petition in motion to be delivered to Blackburn with Darwen Council to ensure the measures are not toned down.

Heading the campaign is Barbara Cronogue who is one of 11 riders based at Waddington Farm in the village.

She said: "It is the first time in years we have been able to ride in safety without running the gauntlet of boy racers and we are not going to let that be threatened.

"We always take every precaution we can with reflective clothing, but it never made a difference. You might as well have had a sign saying drive near and fast on your back.

"Before the traffic calming measures I was nearly injured when a car spun past me. If my horse had moved an inch I would not be here now and that could have been a toddler or anyone.

"This is a country lane which ironically was built in the first place for horses. People think roads are made for cars and cars alone and it is simply not true."

The riders from the yard are backed by the owner of the riding school Heather Clarkson who, before the measures were in place, had to limit road lessons for fears over safety.

She said: "People feel very passionate about this. The measures are a God-send as it means drivers are forced to slow down."

They plan to circulate the petition in the village to gain as much support as possible to ensure the safety measures which were also welcomed by the local primary school, stay in place.

But several residents and visitors to the area are adamant the measures are too much.

Dorris Bilsbrough of Coronation Avenue, Feniscowles, has stopped visiting the area with her husband since they were brought in.

She said: "It is too traumatic to go up there any more. It is more like driving a roller coaster. The council has gone too far. A couple of speed cameras would have been sufficient.

"I was shocked and it is a real shame. I used to love that area."

And Lorraine Parrington of Penzance Street, Mill Hill, said the road was now an "eyesore".

Council bosses are investigating the complaints.

The traffic-calming measures were part of a pioneering national project aimed at making rural roads safer.