A Reform UK politician seeking election in the May 7 local elections in Hyndburn has highlighted road repair works being carried out by Lancashire County Council under his party’s leadership.
Joel Tetlow picked out for praise the reinstatement work on Whinney Hill Road, long considered c
The Accrington North county councillor is seeking to win Milnshaw ward for Reform UK in the local elections on May 7.
His opponents are Andy Clegg (Green), Hannah Mae Fisher (Labour) and Foyzun Nur (Conservative).
Mr Tetlow spoke out after residents concerned about traffic and parking on Blackburn Road into Accrington petitioned Lancashire County Council for improvement works.
They were backed by Hyndburn’s Labour MP Sarah Smith and the leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Munsif Dad.
Mr Tetlow said: “For around a decade, Hyndburn’s road network has seen relatively limited major resurfacing, despite clear and ongoing deterioration.
“Whinney Hill Road and Bolton Avenue have been symbols of how bad things had become.
“Seeing meaningful work finally taking place sends a clear message that Hyndburn is no longer being overlooked.
“Over the six years prior to this year, only five roads were fully resurfaced across the borough, one of those being a tiny cul‑de‑sac.
“Since the new Reform administration took office in June last year, there has been a marked change in focus.
“Around 15 roads are now scheduled to be resurfaced in Hyndburn this year alone, with additional schemes approved to follow. This represents a significant increase in investment.
“Major routes now given the green light include Manchester Road end‑to‑end, alongside substantial works on Whinney Hill Road and Bolton Avenue, which have long been among the worst‑affected roads in the area.
“I have personally pushed forward a number of priority schemes, including Queens Road West; Church Street, Church; Thornyholme Road; part of Bradford Street; Whinney Hill Road; Bolton Avenue; and parts of Whalley Road.
“Hyndburn’s roads have been allowed to crumble for far too long, and residents have felt that neglect every day.
“Since June last year, people are finally starting to see what focused effort and proper prioritisation can deliver.”
Labour’s Cllr Dad said: “The roads in Hyndburn are in an abysmal state.
“To name a few, Hyndburn Road, the main artery into Accrington, Manchester Road and Henry Street.
“And there are potholes — hundreds of thousands of them.
“LCC has failed to keep its promises to tackle potholes, especially when it received millions of pounds of funding from central government to address the issue.
“They can fix one road, but they have a lot of catching up to do.”
Hyndburn Council’s Conservative group leader Cllr Zak Khan and Lancashire County Council declined to comment.
Green Party candidate Andy Clegg has been approached for comment.
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