A FATHER whose 12-year-old son was killed as he crossed a 70mph bypass today welcomed plans to light it up.

But Bob Laughland pleaded with people using the road to take more care, even when the improvements are made.

Lancashire County Council has approved a £250,000 project to providing lighting for the Edenfield bypass, which connects Rawtenstall to the M66 within the next 12 months.

Work will also take place on the sides of the road to direct pedestrians to just two crossings on the road, instead of the existing four. They will be clearly signposted to drivers and pedestrians.

And barriers will be put up on the central reservation to dissuade people from cutting across the dual carriageways, away from the official crossings.

For father Bob Laughland, the county council's announcement is at least a partial victory for a campaign he launched at the end of 1997 following the death of his 12-year-old son Simon, who was hit by a car as he crossed the road.

Then in March last year, 11-year-old Emmanuel McConnell died after he was hit by two vehicles while crossing the same stretch of road. The coroner at his inquest called for action to improve safety on the road.

Both accidents took place in darkness. Today Mr Laughland, of Hillside Road, Haslingden, said: "I am pleased that some action is going to be taken to improve the road.

"We started campaigning for improvements because we didn't want anyone to have to go through what we went through.

"Tragically, someone else has died on the road but hopefully it won't happen again.

"I know speed was never proven as a factor in my son's case but I fear it will unless people start slowing down on the road.

"I still think it is too fast-a-road for people to cross. Hopefully, signs will make people slow down.

"I hope the barriers also deter people from crossing away from the proper crossings but I am not sure they will. Children need to realise how quickly the cars are going."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "Studies into accidents on the road have shown that speed doesn't appear to be the main factor.

"The lighting option and improved crossings have been chosen because they tackle the main problem, which was visibility on the road.

"Signs will be put up warning drivers that the crossings are coming up.

"We would always back calls for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and take due care and attention."