A THIRTY-year campaign to provide a proper access route to an isolated Rossendale village appears to have ended in success.

Residents living in Strongstry, near Stubbins, have had to rely on the potholed Stubbins Vale Road for access to the outside world.

But now after several false starts, approval has finally been given by Lancashire County Council to a potential lifeline.

Following negotiations with the Duchy of Lancaster, the route, which eventually leads to Bolton Road North, Stubbins, is set to be purchased for around £1,500.

And with the road being brought up to an adoptable standard, the final bill will stand at around £100,000.

County councillor Darryl Smith, who has lobbied for the move since he was first elected six years ago, said that the announcement was ‘amazing’.

He added: “There have been lots and lots of things investigated along the way but this is the best way to improve the road because it will now be in the county council’s ownership.”

An original estimate of £250,000 was given for repairs, several years ago, and then a private street works order was drawn up.

But the move, which would have required several neighbouring properties to contribute to any overhaul, eventually hit a legal snag.

The decision, approved by county council leader Coun Geoff Driver, is not the only bonus for villages in the same corner of the valley.

Highway officials have also confirmed that upgrades are planned for three old stone bridges linking Irwell Vale to Helmshore and Ramsbottom.

Engineers are set to being this year on improvements to Ogden Bridge, with Irwell Vale Bridge and Lumb Bridge pencilled in once these works have been completed.