WORRIED residents of an accident blackspot have sent a petition to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, asking for a pelican crossing.

Fore Street, Lower Darwen, has seen nine accidents in the last five years, and the 429 signature petition - which has been going on for five years - is the latest move in the campaign for a crossing.

The street is used by parents walking their children to Lower Darwen Primary School on nearby Milking Lane, and by senior citizens who collect their pensions from the Post Office.

Two pedestrian vehicle surveys - which monitor the need for traffic calming measures - have already been conducted but concluded that a crossing wasn't necessary.

Headteacher of Lower Darwen Primary School, Fred Noble, said: "It's awful down there.

"If anywhere needs a pelican crossing it's Fore Street. I'm behind anyone who gets it done."

The last two surveys carried out by the council showed there was no need to install a crossing, despite the high accident rate.

Councillor Simon Danczuk said: "The council should bear in mind the number of children and pensioners who need to cross Fore Street. Residents of the area have been campaigning for a safe place to cross for five years."

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: "We have received a petition and will be conducting the survey one day next week. It will take into account the numbers of pedestrians and traffic, and also things like the number of school children and pensioners."

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