RESIDENTS living in streets used as rush hour short-cuts by motorists are to be asked what they want the council can do about the problem.

Locals living in the area around Trafford Street, Eldon Street, Ripon Street and Brackenbury Road will be presented with two possible solutions to the problem and asked which one they prefer.

The council's proposal to consult residents comes just a week after grieving Carol Chippendale pleaded with the council to install road humps in the streets following the death of her daughter Hannah, who fell into the path of a car.

The driver, like many others using the streets between Plungington Road and Garstang Road, is believed to have been using Trafford Street as a short-cut.

Local councillor Frank De Molfetta said: "By far the worst street affected street is Ripon Street, and a report by the county council recorded an average of 3,100 per day using the street, more than half of whom were using it as a short-cut.

"Council officers have now tabled two suggestion to solve the problem and a full consultation exercise will be carried out by Preston Borough Council in the near future, involving a questionnaire."

The two proposals involve:

creating speed humps in Eldon Street, Ripon Street and Trafford Street, which would cost £35,000, including a contribution from the borough council; or

the closure of roads, followed by a 20 mph speed limit, costing £17,000.

A third option, suggested by Councillor Mick Moulding, involved creating speed humps in every street in the area. It was rejected by council officials on the grounds that it would cost £80,000.

Coun De Molfetta added: "This consultation will enable residents to make an informed decision on what is a very important matter. Whatever the decision, we will back it."

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