DRIVERS are putting children's lives at risk by mounting a pavement outside a Farnworth play group at speeds of up to 30mph.

And parents are calling for traffic restrictions on narrow Nelson Street to stop the lines of parked cars causing the problem.

Liz Rollinson, who runs the Trinity Church play group, said it was a "catastrophe" waiting to happen.

"A child could be hurt. I'm surprised nothing has happened before now," she said.

Blocking

"They are basically blocking the road. If the the playgroup had a fire the fire engine would not be able to get down that road, and neither would an ambulance."

Mrs Rollinson added that around 30 children a day visited the playgroup.

She said "lazy" drivers parking on the street to avoid yellow lines in other parts of the town centre were causing the problem.

"We have complained to the council and nothing has been done. It's about time some action was taken," she added.

Francis Wood, who runs W B Builders Ltd, in Nelson Street, said he had nearly been run over while standing on the pavement.

"The cars hurtle along this street like it's a main road. And the parked cars mean I can't get lorries up to my yard to do deliveries."

Farnworth Cllr Peter Johnston said he had lobbied Bolton Council about the problem.

"Nelson Street is very narrow and it seems strange there are no parking restrictions there," he added.

Jeff Layer, assistant director of highways and engineering, said he was aware that the street had been a problem for a number of years.

He added: "It had to wait until we could make it part of the overall traffic management works for Farnworth town centre at the junction of Market Street and King Street.

"But the order has now been made and we hope double-yellow lines will be painted on in about four weeks time."