THE speed limit on a busy road heading into Darwen has been changed after concerns were raised about safety.

A campaign has been under way for more than a year to make Bull Hill safer following a number of accidents.

The transition from 50mph to 30mph at the junction with Woodlea Chase was highlighted as a problem area as drivers failed to keep to the speed limit.

Now, Blackburn with Darwen Council has reinstated a 40mph speed limit along Bull Hill until Woodlea Chase, where the 50mph limit remains.

Historically, the 40mph speed limit was in place but was changed some years ago.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration, said: “We have reviewed the speed limits in the area as part of a wider package of measures aimed at improving safety on the A666 between Darwen Cemetery and the borough boundary with Bolton. We have listened to concerns from drivers and residents about the present speed limit which meant they had to slow down from 50mph to 30mph in a short stretch of road.

“We have decided the reinstatement of the 40mph is much safer and will slow traffic down gradually as it approaches Darwen.”

Whitehall councillor Dav- id Foster said he felt traffic-calming measures needed to be brought in alongside the new speed limit.

He said: “We have been working with residents for nearly a year on this and held a meeting earlier this year to discuss the problems at Bull Hill. “There are mixed views about the speed limit. Some residents want to keep the existing 30mph but see it more rigorously enforced, whereas others are happy to change to 40mph. “However, the majority of residents who attended the meeting agreed to an increase to 40mph only if further traffic-calming measures were introduced. I would not want the speed limit changed until these measures are in place.”