Fix on way for Great Harwood road signs after HGVs get stuck

Residents and motorists passing through the town have found themselves repeatedly caught in long queues and delays due to the lack of clear signage for lorry drivers trying to access the industrial estate.

Many vehicles have become stuck or been forced into protracted turning manoeuvres after drivers realised too late that the turning into Station Road is actually a dead end, prompting residents and local politicians to appeal to Lancashire County Council to fix the problem.

The Mayor of Hyndburn Council, Cllr Noordad Aziz, flagged the issue at the beginning of June, when he said: "We are seeing large HGVs being directed towards a route that is simply unsuitable, leading to vehicles becoming stuck and causing unnecessary disruption.”

The HGV drivers should be directed to the proper entrance, rather than to a dead end (Image: Noordad Aziz)

Residents could soon see an overhaul of the signage surrounding the junction of Heys Lane with the entrance to Station Road Industrial Estate after county hall approved new directions for motorists.

At this junction, a larger replacement ‘No Through Road’ sign will be put up for the benefit of HGVs, as well as a new sign informing them that the turning provides ‘No Access to Station Road Industrial Estate’.

The county council will also be installing a dedicated sign for lorry drivers, directing them along Heys Lane to the correct access route on Alan Ramsbottom Way.

It is estimated that these works will be carried out in the next six to eight weeks.

Cllr Aziz welcomed the change to signage along Station Road, saying: “I am pleased that Lancashire County Council has listened to the concerns raised by local residents and acted quickly to find a practical solution.

“The number of HGVs attempting to access the industrial estate via Station Road has caused disruption, frustration and safety concerns for some time.

“These new signs should make it much clearer for drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the area, and help prevent lorries from becoming stuck or entering unsuitable roads. This is a positive outcome for residents, businesses and all road users.”

He added: “I would like to thank council officers for investigating the issue and responding constructively. I will continue to monitor the situation once the signs are installed to ensure the measures are delivering the improvements that residents expect.”