ALMOST £2million could be spent to improve traffic problems on one of the areas busiest routes.

Plans for Vivary Way and North Valley Road in Colne are being considered by Lancashire County County highways boss Cllr John Fillis after controversial plans for an M65 bypass for the town were shelved.

In a letter to Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, he outlines initial proposals for the £1.7m scheme to be worked on by designers and engineers.

Cllr Joe Cooney, who represents the area on Pendle Council for the Conservatives, has welcomed the plans.

But Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Tony Greaves, said: “It will never happen.”

Cllr Fillis said: “The proposals include the review of, and linking of the existing traffic signals, real time traffic monitoring via a CCTV traffic monitoring system and a sign de-clutter/street furniture audit for renewals.

“Officers also intend to upgrade the existing pedestrian crossing facilities as required.

“The plans also intend to improve the right turn lane in Vivary Way for traffic heading towards Colne through measures to discourage inappropriate lane changes.

“This should lead to a reduction in the inconsiderate driver behaviour experienced with driver’s attempting to re-join the queuing traffic from the offside lane at the Crownway traffic signals.

“Highway officers are also investigating the provision of improved interactive advisory information for vehicles approaching junction 14 on the M65 and the feasibility of providing extra traffic lanes to increase capacity in Vivary Way between Crownway and the North Valley Road roundabout.”

Cllr Cooney said: “I’m pleased with this news.

“I’m especially pleased they are going to tackle the blight of people cutting up vehicles in Vivary Way, something I have been calling for over the last couple of years.

“I use Vivary Way every day and see first-hand the number of near misses it causes.

“While this confirmation of funding is welcome must continue to works a long term and permanent solution to the traffic problems in and around Colne.”

However Cllr Greaves said: “I don’t think this will ever happen.

“I think a Colne bypass at some point in the future is inevitable.”