POLICE-escorted trucks will be driven through the Valley in November and December as turbines are transported to Todmorden Moor Wind Farm.

Roads in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, Stacksteads, Bacup and Shawforth could be closed, residents stopped from parking, and businesses prevented from loading.

The traffic prohibition will be active between 11am and 3pm, Monday to Saturday, starting this Monday, and then ending either when the work is completed, or on Tuesday, December 31 at the latest.

The route will begin at the roundabout in Haslingden Road in Rawtenstall and on to Bacup Road, Newchurch Road, Todmorden Road and Market Street.

Colin Fletcher, owner of JB Carpets in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, said: “They say they are transporting the turbines at a time which won’t disrupt people, but it will do.

“I never know what time my deliveries are going to come, and if they close the road or stop deliveries, it’s going to affect us.

“I can’t see why they are bringing the lorries through Rossendale if the windfarm is in Todmorden, which isn’t even in Lancashire.”

Oliver Starkey, the county council's highways manager for Rossendale, said: “We have put these traffic orders in place so that the police can escort vehicles carrying unusually large and heavy equipment to the wind farm at Todmorden Moor.

"We are working with the contractor and our partners to do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.

“The wagons will move the equipment at times when traffic is quietist. “This will help in avoiding the morning and evening rush hour.

“Journeys should only be delayed by a few minutes as the convoy passes through.”