Fears have been raised that “well-intentioned” volunteers undertaking unauthorised and risky work on Cumbria’s highways could end up in an “horrific accident”.

Councillors are also concerned that community groups working under the radar could leave the authority open to a possible corporate manslaughter charge.

The comments came as councillors discussed new agreements to make it easier for parish councils and volunteer groups to take on minor tasks which previously fell to the county council.

However, members of the Local Committee for Allerdale urged community groups to notify the county authority before undertaking activities such as roadside litter-picking, sign-cleaning and tree-planting.

Councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes stressed the authority’s “duty of care” amid health and safety concerns for those working on “dangerous ground” close to the highways.

The meeting also heard that Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) was an important “conduit” for information, ensuring volunteers followed the correct procedures.

Mrs McCarron-Holmes added: “My concern is for those who don’t join it [CALC] and want to carry on and do their own thing.

“At the end of it, it could be as serious as a corporate manslaughter if something happens.

“The problem is when the ad hoc and well-intentioned group goes out and starts to do something, and there’s an horrific accident.”

Committee chairman Alan Barrie said it was important that the council could prove that it had used “every avenue” possible to identify voluntary groups to protect the public and guard against possible legal action.

The scheme now being rolled out is an updated version of the former ‘Lengthsman’ agreement which saw parish councils agree to take on some minor highway works.

The tailor-made documents have now been finalised and will replace some of the verbal and informal agreements now in place.