VILLAGERS are calling for a by-pass or bridge to reduce fatal accidents on a notorious stretch of road.

Residents of Read and Simonstone say more people will be killed at the bend known locally as Devil's Elbow unless drastic action is taken.

Ribble Valley Council leader John Hill, who is also a ward councillor for the villages, is calling on people to attend a public meeting to discuss possible solutions.

Today county hall bosses said a by-pass or bridge would be too expensive, but stressed that new traffic calming measures should help reduce accidents.

The renewed call comes days after the fourth and fifth fatalities on the A671 between Whalley and Read in the last five years.

Pedestrian Michael Crossley, 33, of Rochdale, was struck by a car near the Devil's Elbow on March 26. A week later, on April 2, Jason Scott, 34, also from Rochdale, died after his motorcycle hit a lamp post on the same road near Read.

The deaths are the latest in a series of smashes on the stretch since Lancashire County Council completed safety work on the bend last October.

Both Read and Simonstone Parish Councils have long lobbied County Hall for either a by-pass, following the old railway line between Great Harwood and Burnley, or a new, elevated straight road to by-pass Devil's Elbow only.

Coun Hill said: "We wonder how many deaths it's going to take before something is done. Both parish councils have been pressing for action for many years.

"Serious thought must be given to a by-pass or a straight road. I would urge people to come to the annual meeting of Read Parish Council next week to debate this further."

Sheila Sturrock, clerk to Read Parish Council, said: "Some years ago a by-pass was on the priority list of County Hall, but this was scrapped.

"All they've come up with is some 'improvements' to Devil's Elbow which have had no effect on accident. We just want the road to be straightened or a by-pass."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said a 50mph speed limit will next month be imposed on approaches to the bend, with an advisory 30mph limit on the bend. Street lighting will also be installed on the approaches in the next 12 months.

Read Parish Council meets at Read St John's Primary School, Straits Lane, at 7pm on Tuesday.