PROPOSALS to solve the rush-hour blockade of Waterfoot are to go to public consultation.

Four options to ease the congestion have been suggested by Leeds-based consultants Halcrow.

They include building a by-pass and making the town a car-free zone, retaining a route through the town to Burnley Road East, creating a one way system, altering the lights and making a dedicated lane to Burnley Road East.

Rossendale development and environmental services committee recommended going ahead with the consultation, which will include exhibitions and cost £7,000.

The cost will be met by a £3,000 surplus of initially provided by the council and Bacup and Stacksteads Community Partnership to fund the report and Lancashire County Council has agreed to make up the shortfall.

Coun David Hancock said: "I think it is right to consult. The idea of putting a by-pass in has been talked about for years.

"The problem is the effect it may have on the town and is it actually going to move the congestion problem further on the road? The A681 road through to Bacup is very narrow, particularly through the Glen, and we need to look at that aspect -- whether it will resolve the issue or just move it somewhere else.

"It is important that the consultation is done in the right manner because there are so many different people who will be affected."

No decisions will be made until the outcome of the consultation in Bacup and Waterfoot.