A COUNTY councillor has secured 'a promise' something will be done to improve safety on an Oswaldtwistle road.

County Cllr Peter Britcliffe has spoken to the county highways chief John Fillis about the community's major safety concerns about Blackburn Road in West End.

The area which residents have said has seen a number of near-misses, hit the headlines after a 16-year-old girl was hit by a taxi on the existing zebra crossing in December.

The student is said to be recovering in hospital from head and hip injuries after colliding with the car on the crossing next to Yummie’s Sandwich Shop.

County Cllr Britcliffe who represents Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council, said the highways boss has 'promised' to look at the area in close detail.

He said: "I want to see a full report on what can be done on that stretch of the road.

"The traffic coming in from Accrington is really fast because there is lots of space on the road.

"Just a few years ago someone was killed in a hit and run.

"This is a huge concern because the on-coming traffic are travelling too quickly.

"Something proper needs to be done and cars need to be slowed down as we have seen very dangerous incidents.

"I sent John Fillis an email about the issue and followed it up recently. He made me a promise he will take the matter up personally.

"I am pleased that finally the issue is being taken seriously."

Despite two petitions set up by residents in the past, campaigning for a pedestrian crossing and speeding cameras, nothing has been done.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council speaking on behalf of County Cllr Fillis, said: "Our highways officers are due to meet traffic police in early February to discuss safety on Blackburn Road, West End.

"They will discuss the circumstances of the recent accident, and the options available to prevent future casualties."

Discussions are ongoing about the matter and the meeting set for February will determine the plan of action to be taken about the road.