A NEW bus stop is set to be installed to provide a lifeline to 'stranded' elderly residents.

Bosses at Lancashire County Council approved the plan for the stop on Stanhill Lane in Oswaldtwistle at last week's Cabinet committee last week.

In the report, to councillors it said that vulnerable people in the area were struggling to walk 500m on a hill to get to the other bus stops and it was creating a 'level of social isolation'.

The stop is half-way between two existing stops and will improve accessibility.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council, said: "I am delighted that they are putting a bus stop there.

"It is quite a a long walk for elderly people up quite a steep incline to get to other bus stops.

"It will help a lot of people in the area."

Cllr Glen Harrison, who represents the St Oswalds ward, said it is good news for local residents.

He said: "Residents contacted me with regards to issues catching the bus Blackburn-bound on Stanhill Lane.

"After speaking to the bus company they informed me that it appears that there is a large gap at a certain point on this lane whereby those with mobility issues would have to walk a distance which may be problematic with them.

"Residents were contacted, I believe there was some contest from those residents whose house it was proposed to be placed at.

"This will have gone through the relevant process, many elderly residents and those with mobility issues will certainly be able to catch the bus and ensure that they do not have social isolation.

"For so many residents a trip to town is sometimes the only human contact they have, obviously now more than ever people are experiencing this social isolation due to coronavirus.

"But wherever those with mobility issues or those that experience social isolation, for those residents who have requested this, they will now be able to access this lifeline that enables them to have access to the community."