EIGHT hundred motorists have been clocked speeding through Shuttleworth in just 12 weeks.

Concerned police chiefs say drivers are more likely to be stopped for speeding on Whalley Road than any other route in the borough.

Inspector Steve Clark, head of Ramsbottom Township said: "These are very worrying figures. The speed limit from the top of Bury New Road to near St John's Church was reduced from 40mph to 30mph a year ago."

The police crackdown followed concerns raised at a recent meeting and by nearby residents.

"I would like to believe that some of the motorists who have been stopped for speeding were not aware of the change in speed limits."

He added larger and more visible speed limit signs had been put up to warn motorists.

"I am sure some people would say we have nothing better to do than catch speeding motorists, but I can assure those people that speeding is a big problem and puts the lives of nearby residents and other road-users at risk," said Insp Clark, who added there had been a number of accidents on the road including fatalities.

"The number of drivers caught speeding demonstrates how big the problem is here."

He added: "I would urge all motorists to please consider all road-users and pedestrians and keep their speed down. Remember you are more likely to kill someone or cause serious injury at 30mph."