RESIDENTS are calling for action over a ‘death trap’ rat run being illegally used by rush hour motorists.

People heading towards Blackburn from Wilpshire, Langho and Clitheroe, are using a short cut through Haston Lee Avenue and Church Walk, to get on to Brownhill Drive.

The residential cut-through avoids the busy junction of Whalley New Road, Ramsgreave Drive and Brownhill Drive.

But motorists are driving the wrong way up Church Walk, ignoring no entry signs and, according to residents Wayne Frost and partner Lorraine Chesterton, putting elderly people and children at risk.

Local police have got involved following concerns raised at PACT meetings and have been liaising with local authorities to try and find a solution.

Suggestions such as putting retractable bollards in the road have been turned down because it is a recognised highway.

Police have also carried out high visibility enforcement action.

Mr Frost, 48, said: “They drive very fast because they know they shouldn’t be going in that direction and traffic going along Brownhill Drive won’t be expecting anything emerging from Church Walk.

“Is it going to take an accident or death before something is done?

“There are senior citizens going to St Gabriel’s Church and it is a nice area where children and parents walk.

“There’s no footpath on one side, yet these idiots tear along illegally like a bat out of hell.

“There’s been a number of times when I’ve stepped out of the front gate and almost been struck down.”

PC Steve Maggs, community beat manager for Roe Lee and Brownhill, said: “We will continue to monitor it. We have put proposals for CCTV to the council, but that is only a short term solution.

“We are waiting on another proposal to alter the kerbing to make it difficult for people driving in the wrong direction.

“In the meantime, we would encourage residents to stay in contact with us.”