CONCERNED villagers and road users turned out in force to call for a cut in speed limits on the A65.

Friday's meeting was called by Thonton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council which says it has seen years of serious incidents due to excessive speed through the section of blind bends and hidden exits near Westhouse.

Villagers waiting to turn into the small side roads off the A65 have been hit by cars travelling at speed, but councillors fear it will take a death before the authorities act and are calling on highways chiefs to take action before the hearses arrive.

The parish council has now launched a petition calling for the speed limit on the stretch of A65 100 yards either side of Post Office Row to be reduced to 40mph.

Representatives from Lancashire Highways, who attended the meeting, accepted the 60mph limit was inappropriate for that stretch of the road. But they claimed it was impossible to lower the limit because the settlement was not classed as "roadside" and also claimed there were not enough police officers to enforce it.

They accepted, however, that all 252 residents, their families and visitors had to use the few available exits several times a day and that they and the daily thousands of lorries, motorbikes, holiday makers and business people were "imperilled" by speeds built up on the straights.

Don Emmott and Paul Fenton, of the Lancashire Highway Consultancy, backed the parish council's plea for an extension of the white-lining eastbound before Masongill.

They also supported the idea of making access to Lower Westhouse one way, at Post Office Row or blocking off the lane to traffic completely.

Any unofficial signs attempting to draw drivers' attention to the possibility of standing traffic were likely to be removed by the authority.

Sgt Lawrence Martin, of Ingleton police, blamed low staffing levels for the lack of enforcement of speed limits on the A65, but said a new speed gun would soon be put into action.

County Coun David Ireton said he looked forward to the police introducing a hard-hitting campaign against speeding motorists.

Clerk to the parish council, Christine Jenkinson, said the meeting, held at Westhouse Village Hall had drawn a huge response from the public.

The petition attracted almost 100 names within hours of its launch and copies can still be signed at Thornton Church, the Marton Arms, Country Harvest and Cowan Bridge Post Office. Councillors will also be touring the parish encouraging electors to sign it.