WORK is set to start on the construction of a £1million roundabout on the Edenfield bypass.

The roundabout will provide the main public access to Hurstwood's new multi-million pound development of shops, offices and leisure facilities at New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall.

Motorists are being advised of delays as the carriageway will be reduced to one lane during the project which is expected to take six months.

Hurstwood Group chair-man Stephen Ashworth said the roundabout would become the new gateway to Rawtenstall's regenerated town centre.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to have finally reached the stage where we can actually get started. This is a tremendously exciting time for the town. will be completely transformed."

Mr Ashworth said the regeneration work will help to create more than 1,000 jobs as well as other benefits.

Hurstwood has already announced that a deal with Homebase has been agreed and they are in talks with Argos Extra and Pets at Home about taking the retail space on the site.

He said: "New retailers will improve the choice for shoppers and there will be £425,000 spent on public transport, access improve-ments and public art."

Despite the potential for traffic delays, Mr Ashworth said the scheme would be worthwhile as it would provide Rawtenstall with leisure, retail and business facilities it needed.

Council leader Coun Duncan Ruddick said despite the disruption in the short term it would provide great benefits in the long term.