CAMPAIGNERS are still demanding a public inquiry into traffic calming measures in Hyndburn despite safety reassurances from a council chief.

Council chief executive Mike Chambers has defended the scheme and dismissed claims that measures were "recklessly" introduced.

But former police driving instructor Adrian Shurmer and fellow campaigners are continuing to push for a halt to further measures.

Mr Shurmer accused the council boss of trying to "defend the indefensible".

Mr Chambers' comments were made in a letter in response to questions about the suitability of traffic calming in the borough.

He wrote: "To not take action to address accidents would be reckless. The measures which have been introduced have been vetted by Lancashire County Council safety audit team and by the police. "They were not introduced recklessly. They are not popular with a number of motorists, but if all motorists liked them they would not be working."

Mr Chambers dismissed accusations that measures are dangerous and said they had been designed with accordance with government and county council guidelines.

He added: "Nevertheless, efforts are always being made to make them safer still, for example, by improving their visibility or to comply with newly amended guidelines."

Mr Shurmer said he had waited since January for a reply to his questions and was disappointed with the answers.

He accused Mr Chambers of failing to recognise the "ambiguities and inconsistencies" in the scheme.

Mr Shurmer added: "All I want is for the council and police to listen to us properly.

"I have even offered to take council officers on a driver training course to show them an alternative. I am not against traffic measures, but it needs to be done correctly.

"I will not stop campaigning until an inquiry is held."

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