ROADS across East Lancashire could see a £100million cash injection as part of new government proposals.

If given the go-ahead, local authorities across Lancashire could bid for a slice of the cash, which would form part of the government’s ‘major road network' (MRN).

The scheme proposes 5,000 miles of ‘A’ road are brought into scope for new funding from the National Road Funds for upgrades and improvements.

The money would be used on bypasses, missing links between existing routes, widening roads, major junction improvements, the use of technological and safety enhancements along stretches of the network.

Pendle’s MP, Andrew Stephenson, said he has urged Lancashire County Council to bid for the funding to improve Colne’s infrastructure and fund a new bypass.

He said: “It is widely recognised that the serious traffic congestion in Colne is amongst the worst in Lancashire, so I am calling on the county council to put Colne forward for funding.

“Key routes identified can benefit from up to £100 million each, to help tackle congestion, so this could fund a Colne bypass, pay for roads widening or junction improvements.

“The current congestion in Colne isn’t just a major inconvenience for road users, it is restricting the growth of local businesses and causing substantial air pollution.

“I have written to Lancashire County Council urging them as the relevant local transport authority to put forward tackling traffic problems in Colne as the county’s top priority."

Cllr Phil Riley, regeneration boss at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the potential funding could do wonders for the region.

County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The government's proposal to establish an MRN is still at a very early stage, however we recognise that this could present opportunities to improve some of Lancashire's busiest routes when future funding rounds are opened.

"The government has published an indicative map of what the MRN could look like, but this consultation is about the criteria for deciding which roads should form part of the MRN rather than specific interventions, and we're currently working on our response.

"We're already working closely with Transport for the North which puts us in a strong position to make Lancashire's voice heard and influence future priorities for funding."