NEW 30mph signs are to be put up to stop motorists speeding through Hapton after concerns were raised by residents.

A site for a mobile speed camera to operate was established after speed checks revealed that cars were travelling too fast along Manchester Road.

But residents became concerned that further traffic-calming measures would be needed when work started to build a new housing estate just off the road, opposite the village school.

They fear the 57 new homes, which were granted planning permission in 1989 but are only just being built, will increase traffic and believe speeding motorists will make access on to the road from the estate difficult and dangerous.

The road has a 30mph speed limit but there are currently no signs to tell drivers the maximum speed. However, 30mph signs and road markings have now been proposed and will be put in place in the near future.

And a spokesman for Lancashire County Council said the whole of Hapton was being reviewed to see what, if any, traffic-calming measures would help to reduce problems on the roads through the village.

County councillor Marcus Johnstone, who represents Padiham and Burnley West, is working with Hapton Parish Council for further safety measures.

While he welcomed the mobile speed camera site and new signs, he said there was a lot more to be done to make roads safer for residents.

"The village as a whole does need to be looked at very carefully because there are a number of problems.

"Generally there is the problem of too much traffic going too fast when it comes off the motorway."

There have been two road accidents on roads in Hapton this year already.

In January, Michael Simpson, 37, of Chruch Street, Hapton, crashed on Burnley Road, Hapton, at 75mph, killing his best friend.

He had defied a driving ban on that day and was later jailed for 27 months for driving while disqualified and peverting the course of justice.

Also, in June this year, a 39-year-old from Accrington, was killed after a smash involving three vehicles on Accrington Road.