TRAFFIC-calming is failing to slow drivers on one of the longest roads in Darwen, residents claim.

Harwood Street is becoming notorious for speeders using the road to avoid town centre traffic.

One resident said new traffic islands were a waste of time' because the drivers were speeding around them and turning the area into a race circuit.

Blackburn with Darwen Council insists the measures have reduced accidents but it is working with police to tackle problems.

Denyse Perry, who chairs Lowerwood Residents' Association, said: "They mostly speed at night.The joyriders come up here and all you here is boom, boom, boom from the music in their cars.

"You can see them zooming up and down because they are doing a circuit down Harwood Street round to Tockholes Road.

"I have suggested that Harwood Street has a raised bed, which would stop motorists driving straight down because the road would be divided into two." Judith Brown, of Harwood Street, said: "The traffic Islands are a waste of time. They encourage them to see who can get around the fastest."

Craig Shorrock, 37, of Harwood Street, said: "When drivers see a clear road they speed up but a young child playing on the street could be hurt."

Coun Alan Cottam said: "There has been a reduction in accidents indicating the traffic-calming measures are having the desired effect. Road safety officers are reviewing all the safety features.

"Obviously vehicles racing on the highway and ignoring one-way signs is illegal and we work closely with the police who are aware of the problems."