‘ONE of the most dangerous’ roads in the area is to undergo road safety work after calls for action.

Lancashire County Council has given the go-ahead to design a new road safety scheme for Blackburn Road in West End, Oswaldtwistle.

County Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle, is one of those who have been calling for safety improvements to the area.

He said: “I’m delighted that all the pressure we have put on has resulted in improving safety has paid off.

“This is what I consider to be one of the most dangerous roads in Hyndburn and at long last action will be taken to make it safer.

“Over the years there has been a number of accidents on the road.

“There are a number of issues on the road with speeding traffic, the roads are quite wide.

“This is a real breakthrough.”

Recommendations put forward for the design of the new road safety scheme include improvements to the existing gateway to the west of the scheme, a series of build outs and virtual build outs at side roads.

They also advised refreshing the zebra crossing lines and improving signs and lines.

In addition, a street lighting assessment is to be requested to establish if lighting levels are appropriate.

The design of the scheme is due to be completed by 31 March 2018 with a view to the construction of the scheme being completed by 31 March 2019.

John Gatheral, highways design manager for Lancashire County Council, said: "Following concerns about speeding traffic and dangerous incidents on Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, the county council has approved funding for a scheme which is currently under development and will put in place a number of measures to make the road safer for both drivers and pedestrians.

"We'll look at introducing measures such as pavement build outs and improved road markings and signing to reduce vehicle speeds and improve visibility at junctions."