RESIDENTS in the Sunnyhurst area of Darwen fear someone will be killed if speed signs and 20mph zones are not installed.

Members of the recently-formed Residents Of Sunnyhurst Association (ROSA) have raised concerns over the danger posed by speeding motorists in Earnsdale Road, Tockholes Lane and Sunnyhurst Lane.

They claim there is a need for reduced speed limits and more warning signs to prevent someone being injured.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council says funding for traffic calming has to be distributed in relation to accident statistics.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "The resources we have available for traffic calming schemes have to be prioritised to those areas with the highest accident rates.

"We are, however, aware of residents' concerns which is why we have decided to renew the white lines, 'give way' and 'slow' markings in the area, particularly at the junction with Owlett Hall Road to alert drivers of the need to slow down."

Secretary of ROSA Maureen Waring said: "There is a definite need for something to be done to warn motorists to slow down especially on the really bad bend in Tockholes Road.

"We don't want speed humps but maybe something like rough surface to slow their speed or more signs saying 'Drive slowly in the countryside'.

"At the weekend when a lot of people go walking it is quite dangerous. Children run out because there's no pavement on one side of the road so there needs to be some way of slowing the motorists or someone's going to get hit.

"Does there have to be a fatality before something is done?

"The council says the funding goes where it's most needed but I look at some areas and can't see why they need any traffic calming measures.

"The good thing about a residents' association is that it hopefully makes more noise about things than individual residents complaining."