TRADERS in Bacup are calling for safety measures on a pedestrian crossing they claim is an accident blackspot.

The zebra crossing in St James Street is on the junction of South Street and only a few yards from the junction with Union Street.

Greengrocer Nick Stratton, whose shop is next to the crossing, said: "There have been several accidents on the crossing in the last three years and it's time something was done.

"There needs to be an advanced warning to motorists and the implementation of an anti-skid surface.

"We are appealing to the council to take some positive measures before someone gets killed."

Ronnie Searle, who owns the nearby Motor Shop, said: "I don't know why they don't change it to a pelican crossing and then pedestrians and motorists would have to wait.

"It is not always the driver's fault because you get a lot of children running straight across it. If it was a pelican crossing it would be much safer."

Denise Hooley, of The Discount House in Yorkshire Street, said: "I think the crossing should be moved. It's badly placed where it presently is, as there are two main junctions very near to it."

Sgt Eric Marshall, of Colne Road Policing Unit said: "Since our records began six years ago, two accidents have been recorded on that crossing although on that stretch of road in other circumstances there have been seven. It has not come across to us as a serious problem."

Rossendale Council's highways manager Keith Masser said one option would be to convert it into a pelican crossing, and he would look at the possibility of asking Lancashire County Council to include the scheme on their improvement works list.