RESIDENTS fear it is only a matter of time before someone is killed by "speeding motorists" who are using rural lanes to avoid the roadworks at the Lindal Dip on the A590.

With huge tailbacks reported because of the temporary traffic lights at Lindal on the A590, motorists are using the small lanes in and around Urswick and Stainton to avoid the congestion.

The lights are set to be in place for another five weeks and residents are growing increasingly frustrated at what they say is an influx of "idiotic" motorists who are driving too fast and dangerously through their villages.

On a post to the Evening Mail, Lisa Lysons said: "Can you point out that the people now using the lanes, around the Lindal roadworks drive with a little more caution.

"I understand people's frustration however someone is going to be killed. I have to use these lanes due to where I live and people do not appreciate that there are people out walking, cyclists, tractors and animals to be aware of. Please slow down."

Her post has been shared 68 times, with many agreeing with her comments.

Sarah Whittaker said: "It's dreadful where we live in Stainton... traffic is relentless and way too fast for a village."

Nicola Brockbank added: "And make sure you know how wide your car is and that you are not driving round corners in the middle of the road! The lanes are very bad at the moment but if you don't usually drive on those sort of roads you need to slow down even more!"

Rachel Brown Buckley said she had reported the problem to police, and added: "on the school run from Urswick to Ulverston I did see a police van driving about. It was really busy at 8.30am... I slowed right down to 20mph as per signs and held them all up behind me right up to Birkrigg park turn".

Speeding isn't the only issue which residents have reported.

Emma Clough said: I live in Baycliff and because Scales is shut too which really won't help matters for the other lanes.

"I have to go through either Urswick or Gleaston to get my boys to school in Dalton, the lanes are busier then what they should be and some people have no idea how big their cars are!

"Move over a bit, hug your corners, veering out is so dangerous. And yep, slow down! Oh and sort your full beams out too."

Trina Gilchrist had a miraculous escape from one incident.

"Someone took my wing mirror off on Monday night and didn't even stop to check while they flew past me, I had my grandson in the car and it could've been a lot worse," she said.

Samantha Taylor added: "The speed some people do coming out of the lanes at the Barrow side (Leece Lane) is atrocious. We regularly see people overtaking in the 30mph section so they don't get stuck behind 'slow' cars going in the lanes."

Ulverston and Furness police officers are aware of the issue and have urged drivers to take care.

On Twitter, they posted: Alternative route through the lanes to avoid A590 Lindal? Be aware of what might be around the next bend. 60mph is the limit, not a target!"