RESIDENTS' long-running battle to put the brakes on speeding drivers in Waterfoot could soon be over.

Police in the village plan to buy a new electronic speed indication device (SID) to use in Burnley Road East - but only if the community can help fund the project.

Now police are appealing to residents and businesses to dig in their pockets.

Community beat manager PC Martin Storey, the officer behind the plan, said the device, which costs £3,500, could be in place within 10 weeks if the cash was raised.

He said: "We have been discussing various options with Lancashire County Council regarding safety measures in Burnley Road East.

"The community funded scheme will be the quickest way for us to get something in place. The response from local businesses and residents has been very positive, however, we still need more funding to reach our target."

For years there have been calls to install traffic calming in Burnley Road East and many residents usually bring the subject up at the police and community together (PACT) meetings.

SID lets motorists know how fast they are travelling, smiling at drivers driving under the speed limit and frowns at those breaking it.

It would be attached to lamp-posts and moved between six different areas in the Whitewell ward. One of the devices was recently launched in Trawden.

PC Storey added: "The devices have recently been introduced in other areas of the division and are working well. As well as displaying speeds to device stores this information and we are able to gather the information and act upon this."

To help fund the project, contact PC Storey on 07903 979130.