A PARK and Ride scheme for Rawtenstall is among the suggestions aimed at improving transport in the valley.

A report to be discussed at a meeting of Lancashire County Council's local meeting next week lists the idea among suggestions for reducing road casualties and delays, improving air quality and the condition of transport infrastructure and increasing journeys by bus and rail.

Other suggestions in the plan, which covers transport for the next five years, include improving pedestrian links between visitor attractions and the town centre, improving the gyratory system and making roads safer.

Roads that have a poor safety record will be improved by a combination of local safety schemes and training schemes. This will include training schemes for road users, different age groups and will target road safety campaigns at vulnerable groups.

However, the feasibility of a rail link to Manchester has been ruled out, although it remains a long term aspiration for the county council.

Council bosses want to increase the number of coaches using Rawtenstall so tourist numbers are increased and suitable locations for a Park and Ride scheme are being assessed.

A possible location could be the New Hall Hey site. There were discussions with developer Hurstwood's transport consultants at the time of a previous development application and county transport chiefs say talks will continue in discussions over any new planning application for the site.

Transport issues for Bacup, Stacksteads and Britannia are being looked at as part of the ongoing masterplans for the areas.

All the schemes will be discussed at the Lancashire local meeting on Monday.