HORSE riders and pedestrians are being put at risk by speeding traffic in Burtonwood, residents claimed this week.

The speed of traffic along lanes surrounding the village has already caused accidents and people fear someone will be killed unless action is taken.

Clr John Higham said: "There are more and more children riding horses along the roads, but car drivers seem to think they're in Brands Hatch and just hurtle down. I've seen a car overtake a horse on a blind bend at about 50mph. It's nail biting."

He added that, in November, a rider was knocked off her horse when a car rammed into it on Tan House Lane.

He wants to see speed limits reduced to 25mph and ramps and mobile CCTV vans installed in the area to enforce restrictions.

Susan Forber of Tan House Lane, whose 16-year-old daughter owns a horse, said: "The traffic is so fast along here it's a hazard to get out of our drive, whether in the car or on a horse.

"There is a dirt track through the fields that Laura rides along. I wouldn't let her go along Tan House or Farmers Lane because they are too dangerous."

Mrs Forber is also fearful for the safety of pedestrians.

She said: "We moved here about a year ago and had no idea that the traffic would be so fast.

"The road is a hazard for anyone trying to walk along it because there isn't a footpath or street lights.

"If traffic was slower, then walking along the country lane wouldn't be such an issue. Drivers do really need to slow down before someone is killed."