A COUNTY councillor has called for a speed camera to be introduced in a village in a bid to curb excessive speeding.

Coun Marcus Johnstone, whose Burnley West ward covers Dunnockshaw, wants to see the speed trap introduced on the A682 in the village, which lies between Rawtenstall and Burnley.

The Preston-based county councillor says police inquiries have revealed many people do speed through the area. Sgt Eric Marshall, of Pennine Division's traffic unit said there had been incidents of people travelling at 70 mph on the stretch which is limited to 50 mph.

Coun Johnstone said: "I first discovered how bad the problem was when I attended a meeting of Dunnockshaw Parish Council where there was great concern about speeding traffic. Although some measures have been introduced to reduce speed in the area, it has not worked, which is why I believe the only alternative now is a speed camera.

"It is really quite appalling that motorists are going so fast through a residential area."

He added: "The speed limit in Dunnockshaw is 40mph in parts and 50mph in other parts and I would appeal to all motorists to slow down. I don't want to see people getting speeding tickets but at the same time people who live to main roads have a right to safety and peace of mind."

Sgt Marshall said: "We have done checks up there and will be carrying out enforcement action again.

"It is a known speeding area but the problem is not as horrendous as people make out.

"We will catch people who are speeding."

Lancashire County Council has placed the road on its list of routes which need looking at.