RESIDENTS and businesses have spent £3,000 on a device in a bid to stop motorists speeding in their village.

Instead of applying for a Lancashire County Council grant, members of the Waterfoot community clubbed together because they wanted the device installed quickly.

The electronic Speed Indication Device, called SID, displays passing drivers' speed - and flashes a frown at those going too fast, and a smile at those within the limit. They have been used elsewhere in East Lancashire and been successful in encouraging motorists to slow down.

The device will be moved around different locations in the village by the police to target speeding hotspots.

However, it will be particularly deployed in Burnley Road East.

Neighbourhood police officers PC Martin Storey and PC Nick Stratton set up the scheme after residents and businesses complained about the number of speeders.

PC Storey said: "Residents were concerned for both pedestrians and motorists, and fear that unless speeding is curbed on some problem routes, someone will be killed, or seriously injured. The residents didn't just bring their problems to us at those meetings though - they also worked with us to find potential solutions to the problem, which is where SID comes in.

"SID allows us to monitor the volume and speed of traffic too, providing vital informat-ion which can, if necessary, be used to prove the need for other traffic-calming measures."

He added: "I would like to say a huge thank you to the residents and businesses who worked with us to secure SID and who raised funds to pay for the device."

The success of SID will be monitored by police and if drivers fail to reduce their speed, police enforcement, including the issue of speeding tickets, will take place.

Ward councillor Amanda Robertson said: "There has been a fantastic effort by all concerned in raising the funds to pay for SID. It will be welcomed by all who live in the area."