RESIDENTS are calling for safety measures on an accident blackspot road used as a 'rat run' by motorists.

They say lives will be lost on Platt Lane, Westhoughton, if action is not taken quickly to slow down the speed of traffic on the winding stretch of road leading to Atherton.

Their call follows six minor accidents there in the last four weeks.

Sandra Williams, of Yew Tree Farm, Green Common Lane, believes that it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

She said: "The road is full of winding bends and some drivers seem to see it as a challenge. They behave like rally drivers with no concern for anyone else on the road. We have had no deaths now but it is only a matter of time."

Mrs Williams, who has lived overlooking the road for the last 10 years, said traffic has increased beyond belief over the years and Platt Lane is now viewed as a fast short cut. She said the road also emphasised a difference in highways management between the neighbouring authorities of Bolton and Wigan.

Mrs Williams said on the Bolton stretch of Platt Lane there was a 60mph speed limit and no street lighting but where the road becomes the responsibility of Wigan Council the speed limit is reduced to a well-lit 30mph.

Mrs Williams said the road was also being used by large lorries on their way to a factory in Atherton.

She said: "They slow down the speed of traffic but many motorists see them as a challenge and attempt to discover how many they can overtake.

"I think more has to be done on Platt Lane. We need a more sensible speed limit, speed humps and a weight restriction.

"If this work is not done I am almost certain that sooner or later someone will lose their life."

Westhoughton Town Council leader Cllr David Wilkinson said he agreed with the fears: "Platt Lane is virtually a race track. We have campaigned for years to improve conditions but our warnings have been largely ignored.

"I also agree that Wigan has a more positive safety approach to traffic management on this stretch of road than Bolton does."

But Cllr Wilkinson revealed that Bolton highways chiefs are now considering introducing traffic calming measures with the development of an industrial estate and more new homes off the stretch of road in Atherton.