West Craven has a new speed warning device that could help save lives - but no-one has had the necessary health and safety training to put the sign up.

A portable Speed Indication Device (SpID) has been bought for use at 17 locations in the area.

The illuminated signs display the speed of oncoming vehicles and either thank drivers for staying within the limit or urge speeders to slow down. They have been hailed as a more effective and less controversial way of slowing traffic than speed cameras.

The new device for West Craven has already been bought, the sites have been chosen and approved and the brackets to attach it have arrived. But health and safety experts cannot decide who is allowed to erect the brackets and attach the signs.

Earby parish councillor Vera Cocker told fellow members on Monday she was dizzy going backwards and forwards trying to get the problem resolved.

Coun Cocker said: "It's ridiculous; we've got everything ready, but nobody can agree who can put them up. "It's so stupid."

The initial meeting to discuss the signs was held at Barnoldswick Police Station on December 5 last year and possible sites were put forward.

"Sergeant Andy Cartwright and a man from Lancashire County Council went away to look at the suggested sites and see which were safe to put the devices," Coun Cocker said after the meeting.

"So we've got the sites sorted and secured the funding. Now the signs have arrived and the brackets have arrived, but health and safety can't decide who is allowed to put them up. Obviously they have to be done safely and properly, but it's so annoying they're there but can't be used."

The SpID will be moved around different sites in West Craven, staying in one place for two or three weeks. Where possible, it will be followed up with enforcement for speeders.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said that the mounting plates for the signs had been installed and the signs could now be put up by someone trained to do so.

The spokesman said: "It is anticipated West Craven area police will be putting forward individuals to attend the next training course to be held in September.

"Deployment of the SpID sign on to mounting brackets is not a complicated process, but does involve working within the highway, working at height and the lifting of a substantial weight (14kg).

"All these activities are covered by Government legislation and hence specific health and safety training must be given."

The county council provides a SpID Sign Deployment Training Course in partnership with Lancashire Constabulary and the Fire and Rescue Service.