CARELESS drivers could kill someone if they continue to drive the wrong way down a one-way system.

That's the concern of residents on Barbican Hill, Looe, who say drivers are going too fast and ignoring road signs. On Wednesday morning residents took to the streets to protest, appealing for drivers to take more care.

Children and parents who walk up the narrow road each morning to reach the town's two schools are also having to contend with speeding motorists. 'Some people are using it as a race track and, before long, someone or something is going to die,' said Jayne Darlington.

Diversions have been put in place to stop people driving down Barbican Hill while St Martins Road is closed for six weeks.

Councillor Armand Toms said: 'Despite putting additional signs saying Barbican Hill is closed at Barbican Road and St Martins, some motorists are still going down the hill.'

Residents say as soon as it gets dark, a lot more people go through the no-entry signs.

Councillor Edwina Hannaford, who lives on the hill, said: 'It is a recipe for disaster because they rush down there as quickly as possible in the hope no-one notices and it is chaos. The road rage going on there is outrageous.'

Jean Perry, 83, said: 'Last Sunday I saw 24 cars coming down the hill and tried to report it to the police but the station was closed. I sto-pped one car, saying this is a one-way system and they said they were lost and didn't understand the signs. Another motorist just ignored me.'

Resident Julia Peat said: 'One of my neighbours was given a right mouthful when she pointed out it was one way.

'It's disgusting how rude some people are, perhaps it's an indication of their guilt.'

The B3253 St Martins Road is closed so emergency work can be carried out to repair a retaining wall. Although most people agree the work has to be done, some are getting frustrated that residents' safety is being put at risk by road users.

Resident Colin Shore, 83, said: 'Some motorists coming up the one-way system don't think they are going to meet a car, so they go too fast. Some think they can beat the detour.

'As residents, we are very concerned that someone will get hurt.'

Mary Shore, 79, has been a resident of Barbican Hill since 1936 and added: 'If there had been better consultation earlier, much of these difficulties could have been sorted out.'