Residents have have become increasingly concerned about incidents of speeding vehicles and bikes in the Bradford Road area of Farnworth.

The scale of the problem was highlighted on Friday night when a car crashed into a central bollard on Bradford Road.

Two people were reportedly seen leaving the car, one running away and a second person seen walking up the road. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the incident happened at midnight on Friday May 8.

Resident Scott Robinson revealed that speeding has been a long term problem. He said:"Lavender Road is a tragedy waiting to happen, its a 20mph speed limit reduced from 30mph a few years ago but that hasn't stopped speeders in their flash cars.

"Everyday and night there's cars travelling speeds of 50mph to 80mph, I've witnessed over 20 crashes on Lavender Road since I was a child and I am now 33.

"My parents and neighbours have tried to get speed bumps on the road over the years, people have also signed petitions but nothing has come of it, because the Council said it's an ambulance and bus route.

"They need to put a speed camera on Lavender Road before it's too late and someone has a tragic accident and dies."

Cllr Sue Haworth, of the Harper Green ward, has received several complaints regarding speeding in the area.

She said: "Residents are in touch wanting a CCTV camera for Bradford Road, Farnworth as a method to deter speeding on this road. People are tired and fed up of speeding.

"I've had complaints regarding several roads in the area, including Lavender Road and Lever Edge Lane. It seems residents are keen to have the speed limits enforced in some way.

"Traffic calming measures could also be effective, they've been trialling the community speed watch scheme in Tonge Fold which could work us.

"Chicanes and speed bumps could also be a solution. But it's become apparent that speeding is a big problem in the area."

Dave Edmondson, chairman of volunteer group Tong Fold Neighbourhood Watch, has been pilot testing the community speed watch scheme in Tong Fold. He hopes it can be extended throughout the whole borough.

Mr Edmondson said: "The scheme runs on a volunteer basis.

"We use a speed detection device and we stand next to a bluetooth sign so drivers are aware of the speed that they are doing.

"Residents have been incredibly supportive about the scheme, it's been very effective and it's a system that works."

Bolton Council have been contacted for comment. A spokesman for GMP said: "At around midnight on Friday 8 May police were called to a report of a collision on Bradford Road in Farnworth."