A PETITION to bring extra safety measures to a road 'before a child is killed' has been launched.

More than 200 people have signed the request to introduce a zebra crossing and road markings to Padiham Road, Burnley, following a long campaign started by Cllr Neil Mottershead.

The councillor, who represents Gannow on Burnley Council, said he has spoken to several parents who are concerned over their children's safety following the behaviour of drivers using the road.

In recent weeks drivers have been seen parking in the middle of the central reservation and making it difficult for cars to pass.

Cllr Mottershead said Lancashire County Council needs to take action before it is too late.

He said: "There needs to be a zebra crossing put in before a child is killed.

"It's an accident waiting to happen, it's a very dangerous road and its only a matter of time before someone is hit.

"There are two schools nearby, Burnley High School and Shuttleworth College, there's hundreds of people who cross that road every day with no proper crossing.

"Parents and residents are angry about this, they want something done and I think its time for the council to listen.

"The council said the road was not a high priority last time, but surely all these people cannot be wrong, surely their concerns are legitimate.

"The petition has grown quite quickly, I'm going to continue to gather more signatures and I will deliver it to County Hall to be considered by its officers."

Burnley Road runs from junction 10 of the M65 through Gannow and Habergham towards Padiham and provides a main route towards the motorway at peak times.

Cllr Mottershead said he met with the Lancashire County Council highways boss, Cllr Keith Iddon, to discuss the road last year.

In a county council statement, Cllr Iddon said: "I have had a look at the road with Cllr Mottershead and I do sympathise with him greatly on this issue.

"However it is the council's policy to prioritise the roads and areas which have had incidents on them before.

"There are lots of schools throughout Lancashire which do not have a crossing outside and it would be ideal if we could put one in front of every school.

"The area is on the council's radar and the officers are looking at it for the time being.

"When the areas which are in most need are met we can then look at other areas.

"However for the time being we need to concentrate on the roads which are in need of them the most."