RESIDENTS living either side of proposed improvements to crossing facilities on the A56 in East Lancashire have insisted they are vital in uniting their divided communities.

People living in Rising Bridge and Acre have welcomed £4.5million proposals to provide pedestrian crossing points near the Rising Bridge roundabout, while undertaking road resurfacing and safety barrier and lighting repairs and providing cycling routes around the busy crossroads.

Those representing Huncoat Community Forum had branded the Highways England initiative as 'ridiculous'. 'rash' and 'extravagant', while also raising concerns regarding overnight closures for three months.

But their stance has provoked a spirit response from The Friends of Acre Village and Rising Bridge Community Association, each of which have been working closely with the highways body to advance the scheme.

Ann Taylor secretary of The Friends of Acre Village. said: "Residents of Acre, the adjacent village of Rising Bridge and the hamlet of Sherfin share community facilities but we have been suffering severe community severance because of the high-speed traffic at this busy junction.

"The northbound carriageway of the A56 was built straight across the pavement of Blackburn Road, Acre, at the Rising Bridge Roundabout, resulting in people being forced to cross both carriageways of this major trunk road if they want to walk to local facilities such as the primary school, shops, work or to visit friends and family.

"It is so dangerous that many have resorted to driving, taking taxis or even catching the bus for one stop."

Lisa Bloor, a public relations and research representative for Rising Bridge, said: "The Rising Bridge Community Association is extremely happy to see such great progress taking place on the roundabout.

"The traffic may be a little inconvenient for a short time but once it is done it will reconnect us back to our friends in the rest of Rossendale and our children will be able to walk to school safely."

Residents are also hopeful that the works will ease the number of road traffic accidents on the A56 and ease traffic flow difficulties around the A680.