A FULL debate will be held when firm plans are unveiled for the favoured route for the Colne and Foulridge bypass, Pendle’s council leader has insisted.

Opposition councillors expressed disquiet after the executive indicated it would support the ‘brown route’ for the bypass, running off the M65 to the south of Barrowford reservoir and generally along the line of the former Colne to Skipton railway tracks.

Coun David Whipp said the authority was making a ‘very bold policy statement’, before a borough-wide debate had taken place.

Council leader Joe Cooney said the council would have a ‘much fuller debate’ when the county council decided which route was being promoted for the relief road.

Town councillors in Earby have complained about the prospect of more traffic locally, at the West Craven end of the bypass.

But town councillors in Barnoldswick have indicated their support for the road, believing it will help to retain thousands of jobs locally.