PLANS to increase the speed limit on a stretch of road in Hapton branded as "bonkers" by local councillors have been scrapped.

Lancashire County Council put forward proposals last year to up the limit on a 650-metre stretch of Manchester Road, between Lancaster Drive and Blythe's chemicals, from 30mph to 40mph to control speeding motorists.

In a 40mph zone repeated signs can be put up to remind the motorist of the limit. But when the limit is 30mph speed only one sign can be put up at the entry to that speed zone.

The county council believed more signs and a faster limit would make people more aware of their speed.

However, the plans were slammed by local politicians and residents and have now been dropped by county hall.

County Councillor for Padiham and Hapton, Marcus Johnstone, who branded the idea "bonkers", said he had received assurances that there would be no increase in speed limit on Manchester Road.

He said: "I am very glad that we have had an outbreak of common sense and I know residents will be relieved that this proposal will not now go ahead.

"I always thought it was a particularly stupid idea and am glad that the engineers have listened to people and dropped this proposal."

A spokesman from the county council said: "We had planned to increase the limit on one stretch of Manchester Road that falls between two built up areas. The aim is then to increase motorists' awareness of the lower limit through those built up areas.

"The reason why we are not going ahead with it is because we have had a lot of negative feedback from parish, district and county councillors and local residents.

"We have asked people their views on the proposals, they said they did not want it and we have listened to that."

The news was welcomed by Hapton Parish Council, which also raised objections to the proposed speed limit increase.

Parish council clerk Jo Garrigan added: "Councillors were concerned because the road is used a lot at peak times by children going to St John's School in Padiham or Hapton Primary School.

"Members were also concerned that many motorists were not aware of the speed limit on that stretch and would like to see more signs put up to make it clear."