THE new East Darwen link road Ellison Fold Way has been officially opened with guests of honour from the nearby Sudell Primary School.

The joined councillors, representatives of contractors Eric Wright Civil Engineering and officials from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership to unveil the new street sign.

The project, a 750 metre highway from Marsh House Lane to Ivinson Road with associated local road safety improvements, cost £3.5 million and opens up Bailey’s Field for housing development.

Eric Wright Group chairman Eric Wright said: “We are delighted to witness the new road being open to traffic.”

Jake Berry, growth minister and Rossendale and Darwen MP who once opposed the scheme, said: “Ellison Fold Way will not only improve access to major motorways and ease congestion, it will allow the development of land for new, high-quality homes.”