Action needs to be taken against dangerous drivers speeding through a village near Cockermouth, say residents.

People living in Great and Little Broughton are calling for a 20mph zone to be extended throughout the villages, in the hope it will encourage the increasing number of drivers to slow down.

Following complaints, Highways have agreed to monitor vehicle numbers and speeds through the villages.

Carol Comloquoy-Spence runs the Post Office in Great Broughton.

"The problem is all day long and goes on into the night. It's only a matter of time before someone is knocked over," she said.

"I walk to work from my home in Little Broughton at 6am and they're flying through then. It's a bit of a rat run as drivers cut through, from Dearham and Seaton and other places.

"There's a lot more traffic these days. Hopefully, once the monitoring work has been carried out decisions will be made to improve the situation."

Mary Bradley is chairman of Broughton Parish Council, which recently met with Highways officials to discuss their concerns.

"There was a 20mph limit introduced on Great Broughton Main Street a few months ago but while for responsible drivers it has had the desired effect, other people are still clearly speeding," said Mrs Bradley.

"People feel strongly about this. We would like the speed limit to be extended into Little Broughton so that people stick to that limit."

Highways are due to be installing traffic monitoring equipment at five sites within the villages later this month.

"Once they have the data, we can work with Highways and police to work out the best way forward."

There is more traffic than ever heading through the village, said Mrs Bradley.

"The amount has increased no end," she said.

"The bridge means many people cut through to go elsewhere. Since the amount of housing in Dearham has increased, traffic has too.

"There is also more traffic coming out of Little Broughton since they extended Church Meadows."

The council is also keen for pavements to be installed in places, especially near the school.

"It's terribly important that people are safe, especially children going to school.

"A lot of the route to school doesn't have a proper footpath so it's really key to do something about that.

"There are lots of pubs and social events in the village, it's important people are safe when they are walking around."