RESIDENTS say an accident is waiting to happen outside their homes if drivers keep ignoring signs on a one-way street.

Anxious homeowners on Oxford Road, Lostock, are predicting a serious road smash if motorists keep disregarding signs.

A series of near misses has prompted residents to start a petition and they have collected 40 signatures.

Residents want the old-fashioned signs altered so they are more obvious to passing motorists.

Concerns have mounted after residents starting suffering verbal abuse and bad language from angry drivers when they pointed out their error to them.

One homeowner was even threatened by an irrate motorist.

William Brusell, who lives on Oxford Road, is calling for clearer signs to remind motorists ignoring the one-way warnings that they are breaking the law.

He said: "It is going to cause an accident. Because it is one-way, pedestrians do not bother looking both ways, and that could see people being run over.

"cars do not come down the road at a slow speed, but really whizz past our homes."

The corner of Chorley New Road and Oxford Road is often busy with traffic visiting a confectionery store or physiotherapist.

Cllr Bob Ronson is supporting residents in their safety bid, and said: "I have spoken to Bolton Council's highways department on this issue. We need to cut down on any potential for accidents."

Large wagons go down Oxford Road but are forced to turn back when the road becomes too narrow.

Lorry drivers then have to reverse back between parked cars on either side which restrict the width of the road.

Another resident, who organised the petition, said: "There will be an accident one of these days. It is not a case of 'if', it is a case of 'when'.

"There should be repeater signs telling drivers that this is a one-way street."

A council spokesman said: "If residents want to contact us we will look into their concerns."