CALLS have been made for authorities to work together on solving problems at a ‘nightmare’ junction.

Residents in Belthorn and county councillor Peter Britcliffe claim urgent action is needed at an congestion hot spot ‘before a child is hurt’.

Traffic stretching back on Grane Road, between Blackburn and Haslingden, from the Guide junction of the M65 is currently causing some drivers to use the adjacent road through Belthorn village to jump long queues.

The community said Belthorn Road has been turned into a ‘rat run’ since a new traffic lights system was put in place at junction five last year.

Village drivers said they also end up trapped in Belthorn for up to half an hour in the mornings as they are mistaken for queue jumpers by drivers who refuse to let them out.

Suggestions towards making mornings easier for Belthorn folk have ranged from making the road one way or blocking access at one end.

Coun Britcliffe claims action is being delayed because the traffic lights are under Blackburn with Darwen Council control whilst the Grane Road is covered by Lancashire County Council.

He said: “The different authorities must get together to solve the traffic issues. The time has come for action and some resolution brought regarding these issues. It will be too late when a child is killed.”

However Blackburn with Darwen cabinet member for highways, Coun Dave Harling, said officers from both councils were urgently trying to reach a solution.

He said: “We are aware of this very serious problem. It is quite complex because it affects a motorway roundabout, so we have to also have the agreement of the Highways Agency. It is not as simple as either us or LCC saying ‘we want this to happen’.

“Blackburn officers are in urgent talks with both LCC and the HA to see what can be done. Dangerous or erratic driving is inexcusable and I would say is a matter for police.”

A spokesman for LCC said a number of meetings had been held and solutions such as changing light times were being trialled by the Highways Agency.

Belthorn resident John Creasey said: “It is a small village and and just not suited to this type of traffic.”