A 40-YEAR quest to join up two roads to prevent congestion and traffic problems could be about to end.

Walmsley Avenue and Walmsley Street in Rishton are set to be connected as part of a new development which will see 43 houses built on the site of the old Albert Mill, if a planning application is successful. County Council bosses confirmed land ownership issues have been resolved which means the link between the two roads can be formally adopted.

Cllr Ken Moss, who represents Rishton on Hyndburn Council, said this is great news for all involved. He said: “This is wonderful news and will come as a great relief to many people on the Southside estate who have wanted this for over 40 years.

“At the moment there is only one access road in and out of the estate and residents were always promised a second link. It should ease traffic and ease access to and from the estate for residents. We sat down with Lancashire County Council and the property developer and stated what we want so that it is not only right for them but also the Rishton residents.”

The link would take place as part of plans from Calico Investments Ltd to build news homes at the land near the two streets, which also included provisions for 102 new spaces. More than 35 objections have been raised by residents since the plans were submitted, many of which raises issues about congestion and traffic problems, which the link would aim to ease.

A letter from highways development control at County Hall said: “The land ownership issues appear to have been resolved to enable the link from Walmsley Avenue to Walmsley Street to be formally adopted by Highway Authority.

The assessment shows that the redistribution of local traffic will not cause a severe impact upon the highway network or safety.”

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson it is the ‘logical step’ to bring and end to the long running issue. He said: “With a new development proposed, it’s logical to link up the roads at the same time, bring the cobbled sections up to the proper standard and finally resolve a long-standing issue. “I’m pleased that myself and the Rishton Labour Councillors will be able to draw a line under this and improve the traffic infrastructure.”

The application is due to be decided soon.