More than 1,000 residents have signed a petition demanding a lower speed limit at an accident blackspot – and it looks as though action may be taken.

Neighbours and firms are calling for the speed limit to be cut from 40mph to 30mph on the A537 Chelford Road, the main route through Henbury.

Even the fire station and ambulance depots in the town have pinned up a copy of the petition. It comes after a three–car smash last month in which two people had to be cut from their cars and a 52-year-old-man was taken to Macclesfield Hospital with a suspected broken hip.

Residents say it is the second accident there in just over a year.

Campaigners are also calling on Cheshire East council highways to install traffic calming measures such as double white ‘no overtaking’ lines and slow signs on the road in line with those on the A536 road from Macclesfield to Congleton.

Retired teacher Jackie Booth, of Chelford Road has now gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Jackie, who has lived in Henbury for 35 years, said: "I’ve been to every business, households and nearby Whirley Primary School to canvas support and everyone has been very supportive."

Brian Murray, of Pleasant View Cottage, whose house and car have been damaged by collisions has also been drumming up support. And so have parents and teachers at nearby Whirley Primary, on Whirley Road, where traffic is often diverted following accidents.

Coun Richard Slater said the diversions caused gridlock. "Councillors are keen to invite representatives from Cheshire East Council and Cheshire Police to discuss the issue at the next meeting in November."

There is to be a meeting at Henbury Village Hall at 7.30pm tomorrow and police say they will be monitoring the road.

CEC’s Coun Rod Menlove, said: "The council will look at any petition once it arrives."