AS ROAD protesters gathered pace for a £25,000 fund to fight the planned Colne-Foulridge by-pass there were more calls to make existing main roads safer for pedestrians.

Objectors to the by-pass say plans for the road were slipped through quietly by the County Council, without proper consultation or evidence to support the need for the road.

They now intend to employ independent experts to gather evidence in time for a public inquiry.

The call for action on road safety came from West Craven councillors who are worried about the A56 through Kelbrook, Sough and Earby.

Councillor David Whipp said: "It is only a matter of months before the M65 is linked with the M6 at Preston.

"This will throw a huge amount of traffic onto a road which is just a front street.

"Urgent action is needed to slow these vehicles and improve safety."

Every local authority in the area is on record as being in favour of the by-pass. Talks are currently under way about paying for new roads with private funding.

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