A TRIO of battling grandmas are to be officially congratulated on their "people power" campaign which helped secure a pelican crossing in Oswaldtwistle.

Residents Rita Pilkington, Irene Sissons and Olive Laraway spearheaded a fight to have a zebra crossing in Union Road replaced with a safer pelican crossing.

A 777-signature petition was collected and the three women led two "stop the traffic" protests by repeatedly walking across the zebra.

Hyndburn Council this week agreed to send a letter congratulating them on their campaign. The £19,000 bill for the pelican crossing near Haworth Street is being split between the borough and county councils.

Coun Peter Britcliffe said the women deserved praise and it was a shame there were not more public-spirited citizens.

Coun Sheelagh Delaney said: "It's one of the decisions this council should be proud of. It's not our responsibility to provide this.

"The council has decided to transfer money from other parts of Oswaldtwistle to make it possible," she added.

Coun Bill Goldsmith said: "Safety comes before other priorities."

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