RESIDENTS of the Mankinholes and Lumbutts areas of Todmorden want their districts to become access-only traffic zones.

Abigail Hogg, of Mankinholes, said traffic was increasing steadily and, with new houses being built at Stansfield View, Fielden Hospital site and Harvelin Park, would lead to even more vehicles travelling through the two old villages.

She said: "At present the road is used as a rat-run by people commuting in the Rochdale direction and also by people going up and down to Todmorden who want to use Woodhouse Road.

"In reality I think there is little difference in time and distance if they go down Shaw Wood and through the centre of Todmorden so it would not be a great inconvenience."

Anyone going to the villages for walking to Lumbutts Chapel or to the Top Brink pub would still be able to do so.

People taking Sunday driving tours could either get out and walk or take the bus.

She also suggested taking up the tarmac to reveal the stone setts which would increase the conservation appeal of the villages.

Todmorden Council has passed on her views to the highway authority Calderdale Council for consideration.