COUNTY council highways bosses have confirmed that East Lancashire is set to share in a £1million fund to improve road safety over the next two years.

Two of the largest single schemes locally will see significant upgrades to the centre of Oswaldtwistle and a well-used stretch either side of the Nelson and Colne border.

Around £125,000 will be spent on engineering measures and improvements to pedestrian crossing facilities along Union Road and Market Street, in the Hyndburn town.

And another £86,000 has been earmarked for the A56 Leeds Road between Reedyford Road in Nelson and Whitewalls Drive in Colne, including new traffic signals and an anti-skid road surface.

County councillor John Fillis, highways cabinet member, said: “As a key member of the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, we've been working closely with partners including the police and fire service for many years to make our roads safer.

“And I'm glad to say many fewer people are killed and seriously injured on our roads now than just four or five years ago.

“However, death or serious injury has a major impact on individuals and their families, as well as our economy, which is why investment in road safety continues to be a high priority for the county council.”