CALLS for action to slow down speeding drivers on a busy road are being made by residents and shopkeepers.

Around 500 people have signed a petition demanding traffic calming measures on Belmont Road in Astley Bridge to make drivers observe a sharp drop in the speed limit.

They say the road, which has been the scene of a series of accidents in recent years, needs to be made safe to prevent further injuries.

Hghways bosses have asked residents to be patient.

They say some measures have already been been put in place - including a pedestrian crossing near the High Lawn Primary School, pedestrian refuges and yellow lines - and that more will follow.

But Kath White, owner of the Diddy Box flower shop, believes a "gateway" to let drivers know they are entering a residential area, or an electronic sign to tell them they are speeding, is needed.

She said: "We have got to get cars to slow down.

"The council has gone ahead and put in traffic lights, ignoring the wishes of the local people. The are four different speed limits on this road and drivers must be made to slow down."

Astley Bridge councillor John Walsh said: "Cars drive along at speeds in excess of 50 to 60mph along the 30mph stretch. What the people want is some kind of gateway feature which gets drivers to address their speed accordingly. But the council have ignored them."

Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment on Bolton Council, said highways officers were well aware of the problems in the Astley Bridge area. He said: "There is more happening on Belmont Road than in many other areas of the borough and we are continuing to put in place measures to address this problem."