FIVE areas of East Lancashire are set to see the introduction of blanket 20mph speed restrictions before the end of this year.

One district each in Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale have been selected as priority locations for major slow-down plans being promoted by Lancashire County Council.

Several schools in built-up areas will benefit from the restrictions, which should be in place by late autumn as part of a £2million countywide programme.

An area incorporating much of Rosegrove and Gannow in Burnley is set to see 20mph signs installed, covering the likes of St Augustine's RC Primary, Ightenhill Primary and Rosegrove Nursery.

And Knuzden, between the M65 and Blackburn boundary, including St Oswald's CE Primary, will be Hyndburn's fledgling area.

Large parts of Colne, including estates immediately to the north and south of the A56, are included for Pendle, covering primary schools such as Primet, Lord Street and West Street.

For Clitheroe, the same signs would be introduced on all residential roads to the west of Whalley Road, Waterloo Road, and Chatburn Road, which would cover Brookside Primary.

The Rossendale valley's scheme covers a triangle in Helmshore, including the village's primary school between Grane Road, Holcombe Road and Helmshore Road.

Environment director Jo Turton said: "This county-wide programme aims to bring about a sustained change in driver behaviour and attitude so that driving at more than 20 mph in residential areas and outside schools becomes socially unacceptable.

"The implementation of 20 mph limits is the first stage in an integrated approach involving community engagement and mobile enforcement.

"It is a long term approach and its success is dependent on the effectiveness of community engagement and enforcement initiatives."

The roll-out of 20mph signs for all residential areas will continue over the next three years.