FURTHER concern has been expressed that a proposed bypass in Colne would bring more traffic through West Craven villages.

Lancashire County Council is currently consulting on plans for a bypass for Colne, with its preferred route from the M65 emerging on the northern side of Foulridge on the A56.

Pendle Council is supporting the route, which it says will relieve traffic, particularly along Vivary Way, Colne, and protect the potential reinstatement of the railway from Skipton to Colne.

But North Yorkshire county councillor Patrick Mulligan, who represents West Craven, claims there has been no consultation between the two authorities, and is urging residents to comment now before it is too late.

He said: “The bypass would come out on the northern side of Foulridge, which would mean all the traffic coming through Thornton-in-Craven, and possibly also through the Martons.”

Coun Joe Cooney, Pendle Council leader, said: “The plans will help to connect employment sites in this part of the borough, and help ease traffic congestion along Vivary Way, in Colne, which is a huge problem for many people.”

Coun Cooney said Pendle had supported the ‘brown option’, the county council’s preferred route.