FEARS have been raised that children could die if motorists do not lower their speed through a village.

Electronic warning signs urging drivers to lower their speed to 20mph at Lindal’s Pit Lane have been malfunctioning, with notices flashing at all times of the day rather than at busy school run times.

Concerns were raised as pupils at the nearby Lindal and Marton Primary School go back to school this week.

Grandma Sue Bennett, who lives nearby, had complained that the faulty lights being on all day were leading motorists to ignore them.

Ms Bennett said: “That road is very important for children getting to school.

“If drivers are going too fast then children could die."

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said the notices were usually set remotely and a traffic engineer had been to reset them on Monday morning.

“As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we sought to repair the warning lights,” he said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience.”

Cllr Ben Shirley, said: “It was a great piece of partnership working between a resident, the county council staff and me.

"Working together we’ve been able to get the lights rectified swiftly and in time for the new school term, so that children, parents and school staff can approach and leave school more safely.”