A CONCERNED councillor wants swift action to slash the speed limit at an accident blackspot.

Hyndburn's Bill Goldsmith is urging the county council to cut the 60mph limit on Haslingden Old Road at the Tailwaggers Kennels bend, Knuzden.

The spot has been the scene of several accidents in recent months, including a serious smash which left two teenagers fighting for their lives.

And the county council has confirmed that a new speed limit and traffic calming measures are being considered for the road.

The limit is 60mph on the bend, but it drops to 30mph immediately afterwards.

Coun Goldsmith believes the two limits should be brought more in line to prevent motorist getting caught out by the change. He has been campaigning for years to have the limit cut but up until now the council has refused to give the green light to change.

Coun Goldsmith, who lives near the bend, said: "There have been numerous serious accidents and almost every week residents complain about cars crashing into gardens and fences.

"The 60mph limit is too fast for the bend. If the 30mph limit was moved 100 yards to include the bend, it would make all the difference.

"I applauded the proposals for a 40mph limit. However, if the bend was 30mph, it would make people aware that they had to slow down."

A county spokesman said traffic calming measures, including a 40mph limit, between the Stanhill Road junction and the Britannia Inn were being considered.

He added that councillors were expected to give the go-ahead to the scheme at a meeting next month.

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