WORRIED parents are demanding a handrail across a motorway bridge be made higher before a child falls off and is killed.

At least six residents, including a former policeman in Knuzden, have contacted their councillor Bill Goldsmith to share their concerns about the bridge over the new M65 link in Stanhill Road.

They said it was not only near playing fields, but also the main route youngsters used to get from Knuzden to the Oswaldtwistle shops and youth clubs. They have already spotted children sitting on the bridge with their legs dangling through the bars.

And they warned that when the motorway was actually opened, vehicles would be at risk from children playing ball games and throwing stones.

Coun Goldsmith drew the problem to the attention of Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who has pledged to take up the matter with Whitehall. But officials at the Highways Agency said the handrail was at the standard height for a road with a footpath.

The agency said it had received only one complaint from a resident worried about the playing field but said that as the field was on the same side as nearby houses, they did not expect youngsters to be crossing the bridge on a regular basis.

A spokesman added: "In a situation like this there are standards to adhere to and if you change it on one occasion, then you have to change it on others.

"The railing is one with a mesh designed to stop climbing, but there is a limit to what we can do if people are determined.

"The agency is trying to do all it can but we would hope that parents would also take the responsibility of teaching their children rights and wrongs when using roads."

He did say that when the motorway opened the situation would be monitored.

Coun Goldsmith said: "The bridge may meet government standards, and people should be responsible for their own safety, but we are talking about children who can be adventurous and irresponsible.

"There's the potential for a major tragedy. Not only could children fall, but it could devastate traffic below."

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