OUR part of Lancashire has the dubious honour of having the most dangerous road in the country.

The seven kilometre stretch of the A675 through Hoghton was named and shamed in a study published yesterday.

It also found that the A681 that runs from Bacup town centre to Waterfoot was a high risk road.

The findings were certainly no surprise to residents living nearby, who all called for improved safety measures.

Lancashire County Council was also aware of both stretches and said that steps were underway to improve them.

The county has a large number of countryside roads, which carry the national speed limit and encourage motorists to drive at excessive speeds.

Where there is a known problem, the county council is right to act.

They should also listen to the views of local people, who are the first to know of any persistent problem.

Unfortunately the county council does not have enough cash to deal with every trouble-spot immediately.

Regular reviews have to take place to ensure that the cash available is spent on the most important issue.

That is why it is so important that every motorist drives responsibly and safely.

They are not just putting their own lives at risk by speeding and driving recklessly but also the lives of every other road user.