A 20MPH speed limit could be introduced in part of Burnley in a bid to improve road safety.

South West Burnley is one of three areas in the Lancashire where the speed limit is being suggested.

The areas include Rose Hill, Barclay Hills, Coal Clough Lane and Matthew Street.

It will also affect the side roads around Blessed Trinity RC College and Cherry Fold Primary School.

The scheme is being put forward with the aim of preventing children from being knocked down.

Burnley Council Leader, Gordon Birtwistle, who represents a ward in the area, welcomed the plans.

Coum Birtwistle, who represents the Coal Clough with Deerplay ward, said: “The big question is will the police enforce it? If they do then that’s even better, but yes, I welcome it.”

Wendy Tracey, head teacher at Cherry Fold Primary School, said: “I think it would be absolutely brilliant, it is something we have been trying to do for a while, particularly in Cog Lane.

“With new schools planned for the area it will become even more important with more children travelling about.

“There have been a few traffic calming measures introduced recently but once drivers are through them they speed up again.”

The trial scheme is detailed in a report to Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, Keith Young.

It is being proposed that the 20mph limit is also introduced in parts of Morecambe and Preston, at a total cost of £107,000.

It will involve signs being put up in South West Burnley to deter motorists from speeding.

And if anyone is caught execeeding the limit, police officers will be able to enforce on-the-spot fines or take relevant action.

The report said: “The primary aim of this intervention is to tackle the level of child killed and seriously injured (KSI) casualties with a particular emphasis on walking and cycling.”

County Councillor Young is now being asked to approve plans to implement the scheme by Monday (8).