PUB bosses have hit out at roadworks that are having a ‘detrimental effect’ on the business.

The Thatch and Thistle pub in Surrey Road, Nelson, is ‘just about managing’ after a temporary traffic light system at junction 13 of the M65 has caused major congestion since being installed.

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Temporary signals have been put in place by Lancashire County Council on two roundabouts to enable construction on extra lanes as part of the Hyndburn Burnley Pendle Growth Corridor.

The programme includes improvements between junction six at Whitebirk, Blackburn, and junction 14 at Colne.

A pub spokesman said: “The pub has just about been able to manage with the roundabout roadworks that have been in progress.

“But the new temporary traffic light system that has been installed without warning has had a substantial detrimental effect on the pub’s trade.

“The pub has been in contact the council this week to request that changes are made to ease the problem and we hope a solution is found.”

The council said it is aware of some disruption but expects this to improve as people controlling the signals get more familiar with traffic flows.

The scheme is designed to create better access to Barrowford Business Park and improve connections to Nelson and Colne College and Nelson town centre.

It will involve modifying the layout of the roundabouts with up to four traffic lanes in places and signals will be added permanently.

Cllr Christian Wakeford, who represents Barrowford, said: “It is going to cause weeks of pain. The tailbacks can go all the way to Higherford.

“Some people have said it takes them 45 minutes to get round.”

Cllr Joe Cooney, Vivary Bridge councillor, said: “There is no flow of traffic.

“The council needs to be sure that spending all this money is worth it.”

The signals will be in place for the next four weeks and the scheme will be completed by the end of March.

David Johnnie, the council’s area highways manager, said: “We’re aware of some disruption in the area but expect it to improve as the people controlling the signals get more familiar with the varying traffic flows.

“I’d like to apologise for any inconvenience and thank drivers for their patience.”