CONTROVERSIAL weight restrictions have failed to cut the number of crashes on the Grane Road, highway chiefs have admitted.

Latest research shows the 7.5 tonne limit on the danger route linking Haslingden and Blackburn may have even increased the rate of accidents on the A6177.

The admission comes as Lancashire highways bosses seek to close the Grane for three weeks for 'vital' safety works in a £300,000 project.

Residents fear diversions will take traffic along one of the nearest alternative routes - Hud Hey Road and Roundhill Road - which they say is already plagued by HGVs and speeding cars.

County highways officer Mark Hornby said: "Grane Road continues to cause concern. It would appear measures we have taken have not reduced personal injury accidents there. There may be evidence of some increase so it is continuing to cause us concern."

Some £300,000 is to be spent on work ranging from resurfacing to reconstruction of some sections of the route.

To carry out the work the county council intends to shut sections of the road between Holden Vale Road and the Grey Mare pub over two phased periods.

The first closure is set for July 7 and is expected to last seven days.

Following that there will be resurfacing work on around August 2 and 3, although the road is expected to stay open.

Then on August 18 sections of the road will be shut for up to two weeks while further works are carried out, including double white lines to prevent overtaking.

Diversion signs will be put up to guide vehicles towards the A56 and M65, as alternative routes, although some restricted traffic will still need to use Hud Hey Road.

This summer will also see a speed reduction scheme for Hud Hey Road, following campaigning by residents and councillors.

Measures being introduced include a 40mph limit to the west of Roundhill Lane, providing a right turn lane for traffic accessing Rising Bridge Road and altering traffic light priorities at the Hud Hey Road and Brook Street junction.

Coun Bob Wilkinson, chairman of the Lancashire Local Rossendale committee and Haslingden ward member, said: "All we ask is that we do not do Hud Hey Road while the Grane Road is closed. That would be a complete nightmare."

Coun Granville Lord also called for an extension of the 40mph limit and more crash barriers to protect pedestrians along Grane Road.

But Mr Hornby said those issues had been rejected when new safety measures had been drawn up.

He added: "There is only so much a highways authority can do.

"The rest of it is down to the careful driving of individuals using this road."