Safety fears have been raised over proposals to increase the speed limit near a rural village.

Kirkbride parish council has raised fears for driver and pedestrian safety following Cumbria County Council plans to increase a section of the B5307 - which lies to the east of Kirkbride village - from 30mph to 40mph.

It is just one proposed change to speed limits proposed by Cumbria County Council across Allerdale.

The new starting point of the 40mph speed limit is on the brow of hill close to a junction with a bridge, and with an S bend further along the road. Children are also picked up for school here.

Barrie Day, a parish councillor, said: “These proposed changes are unnecessary and would increase the level of danger to all road uses especially pedestrians.

“The traffic officer’s justification seems to be based on a highly-dubious statistical principle that if a majority of drivers are seen to be exceeding the speed limit and there are no accidents then the speed limit is set too low.

“To me this is utter nonsense especially on a section of road approaching the brow of hill where there is also a road junction.

“To go ahead with this proposed change would be highly irresponsible.

“The rules of the road are meant to improve safety, not heighten danger to road users.”

A local resident started a petition opposing the speed limit change which reached more than 70 signatures in three days.

The parish council plans to suggest beginning the 40mph limit on the approach to the bridge on the east side. It is hoped this would slow traffic on the way to these hazards.

Cumbria County Council is accepting comments on the proposed changes across Allerdale until August 16.