THE completion of major improvements to a busy road junction near Clitheroe has been delayed.

Work to replace the staggered junction of the A59 between Pendle Road,and Clitheroe Road, one of the main access points for the town, with a roundabout has been scheduled to finish in early February.

It is now expected to take a month later than expected with completion in early March.

The scheme, to improve safety and allow for higher levels of traffic, is being paid by Taylor Wimpey as part of planning permission for its nearby housing site with access off Pendle Road.

It new roundabout insisted on by Lancashire County Council after a campaign by local residents., councillors and Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

In the New Year the focus of the work will move to the centre of the roundabout where a large drainage tank will be built and new signs erected.

The final task will be surfacing of the A59, Pendle Road and Clitheroe Road, which is scheduled to take place over four weekends during February when full closures of the A59 will be needed. The closure dates will be shown on advanced warning signs beforehand.

Work is due to take place in early January to repair verges at the sides of Main Street in Pendleton by infilling the worn areas.

Cllr Keith Iddon, Lancashire County Council's highways boss, said: "This junction has a poor safety record and this scheme will make it much safer, as well as more suitable for higher volumes of traffic as the area develops.

"We're sorry about the delay to the completion date, and the added inconvenience as a result."