POLICE say they encountered little to no dangerous driving in Rawtenstall – during a crackdown in the area.

But officers are now facing fresh calls to intervene following a spate of crashes.

Lancashire Police said they were bringing in 'extra measures' to tackle bad driving across the Rossendale Valley in August.

Now further concerns have been raised around road safety after father-of-one Christopher James was killed in a crash on Haslingden Road in Rawtenstall.

There have been 'several other crashes' in the area in the last few months, according to councillors.

Insp Dave Clarke from Rossendale Police said: “During the summer it was raised to us that there was an issue around inconsiderate and dangerous driving through Rawtenstall. 

“As a result of these concerns we responded by targeting the area and interacting with drivers.

“During this time, we received only one further report of dangerous driving.

“The driver concerned was traced and spoken with and issued with a formal warning that his vehicle would be seized if his inconsiderate driving was repeated. The warning lasts 12 months. Feedback from the community so far has been positive.”

Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes said: “Three or four years ago, rates of accidents were reducing.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if rates are increasing now as it’s another issue Lancashire County Council simply don’t have resources to address.

“A lot of the speed camera units don’t seem to have cameras in them."

“The practice is to move around the units they do have between locations, which doesn’t seem to be effective.

“We end up with only about 1 in 10 cameras working, which seems a nonsense really."