CONCERN has grown for the safety of schoolchildren and elderly people crossing the roads of Ulverston after zebra crossings have become so faint they can barely be seen.

The worn-out black and white paint is a stark contrast to the fresh, bright yellow lines running parallel to pavements across town, causing outrage among residents who believe the council are carefully cherry-picking where money is spent.

Dangerous potholes are also appearing on Fountain Street, leaving motorists concerned about the potential damage to their vehicles as well the effect they have on braking.

Following a fierce campaign to make the town a 20mph zone, pedestrians are frustrated more has not been done to make the roads safer.

Councillor Colin Pickthall said: "There are lots of road surface issues across the town and will be even more as the huge reconstruction work proceeds on the culverts.

"We have been engaged with this wide issue for some time and Councillor Mark Wilson has taken the matter up again and again with the County Highways people."

The faded markings are the result of age and wear and tear, accelerated by frequent use of the exit on Buxton Place by heavy vehicles engaged in Environment Agency work.

Cumbria County Council confirmed maintenance work is scheduled to take place with markings along the coast road and that pedestrian crossings in Ulverston would be getting a fresh lick of paint.

The project has already started and and should be completed before the end of August.

A spokesperson for Brake, the road safety charity, said: "It is important that road surfaces are kept in safe condition, as potholes and faded road markings pose a hazard to all road users and can contribute to devastating crashes that end and ruin lives.

"Investing in road repairs can help prevent the huge cost to society of a serious crash. Drivers can reduce the danger from potholes and faded markings by driving at lower speeds, as they have more time to react and are far less likely to be involved in a collision."