SPEED humps and a pedestrian crossing are to be placed near a Darwen school.

It follows fears among residents of Olive Lane and Winterton Road that children are at risk near the busy roads.

Elderly people are also worried about crossing Olive Lane to reach a nearby bowling green.

Lorries and heavy goods vehicles from the industrial estate at Lower Eccleshill and traffic from the M65 use the area.

Councillor Eileen Entwistle approached Blackburn with Darwen Council about installing traffic-calming to make the area safer.

Now the idea has been approved and is further backed by the Safer Routes to Play Grounds scheme, funded by the government to encourage children to follow designated routes.

Coun Entwistle said: "After residents raised concerns with me about speeding motorists, I pressed the council to come up with solutions that would slow down the traffic in this busy pedestrian area.

"It has got a lot busier since people started coming off the motorway and along Goose House Lane.

"The proposed traffic calming will benefit many residents, including those taking children to St James' School, those using the Children's Centre in nearby Lord Street, and older residents who use the bowling green.

"I know traffic calming can be controversial but we have to take into account the quality of life for Sudell residents and if it saves one life, it is worth it.

"Those without cars have as much right to get where they're going safely and without fear of an accident."

The scheme will include speed humps and a pedestrian crossing in both Winterton Road and Olive Lane.

Margaret Long, headteacher at St James' School, welcomed the plans.

She said: "It does get quite busy and large vehicles regularly come down Winterton Road from the industrial estate, as well as traffic from the motorway."

Work to install the traffic calming measures is due to be completed by March.