ACTION is being taken to secure a blanket 20mph speed restriction across Ulverston.

Ulverston Town Council agreed on Monday night that a “task and finish working group” should be set up to reduce the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in the town centre.

Councillor Colin Pickthall said: “This has already been agreed by this council many months ago. This is about getting a move on and getting something done.

“I have proposed a small working group to work on it and I am seriously proposing that Councillor Mark Wilson, because of his county council capacity, should be invited to chair it.”

The proposal was first made last year when Councillor Norman Bishop-Rowe wanted a 20mph speed restriction in place for the roads around schools.

While this was being debated it was agreed a blanket speed restriction of 20mph would be better.

Cllr Pickthall said: “There have been a lot of near misses in Ulverston which keep getting reported, in particular with the cyclists.

“It has been simmering for a long time and we haven’t done anything about it so this is why I decided to push it and get it on the ground.”

Once the group is formed, which will consist of around six councillors, a timetable will be put together and consultations will be held with Cumbria County Council.

Cllr Pickthall said: “We won’t be able to and don’t want to put a speed limit on the A590.

“In my mind the 20mph speed limit restriction won’t just be applied to the town centre but will extend to some of the estates like the whole of Croftlands.

“We aren’t asking for speed bumps – we know there isn’t any money for that, we would just need some signs.

“There’s no point waiting for accidents to happen. It’s just a question of the community accepting it.”

Councillor Mark Wilson is on the highways and transport group for Cumbria County Council.

He said: “I would be happy to chair the group. It’s something that can make everyone slow down a bit and have a bit more time for each other.

“It’s just about being that bit more safe and that bit more neighbourly.”

The process will involve a public consultation before a final decision is made by Cumbria County Council’s local area committee for South Lakeland.

A county council spokesperson said: “The county council do not have a policy position on the introduction of 20 mile an hour zones and assess each scheme on an individual basis.”