FEARS of traffic chaos on a key Rishton junction has seen plans to open a Co-op shop there thrown out.

Hyndburn councillors scrutinising the scheme for the former Bentley garage said the increase in traffic and congestion would overwhelm the junction with Blackburn Road, which serves a number of local schools.

The Co-operative group had submitted the plans through an agent, Hurstwood Properties, who said their client was looking to open a 430-square metre store.

Initially the bid was thought to be from Tesco leading to a local campaign amongst traders who feared losing business.

However, Hurstwood revealed the Co-operative were behind the plans in a bid to move from their current site in Rishton’s High Street.

Councillors said the effect on parking and congestion would see an accident happen if the bid was approved.

At a meeting of Hyndburn planning committee yesterday, Coun Clare Cleary, who addressed the meeting on behalf of residents, said the issues regarding traffic in the area were ‘plain to see’.

She said: “We have had two public meetings in Rishton and feelings are very strong on this matter.

“There are three primary schools here and traffic is already a problem.

“Residents are very concerned about the effect of shoppers parking on this strectch and large lorries making deliveries here.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Hurstwood Properties, Steven Hartley said: “Our client is the Co-operative, not Tesco as had been rumoured.

“They are planning to move from their existing location in the borough to this site.

“They have a very loyal customer base, which would improve footfall here.

“The suitability of the parking we would provide in the car park has been assessed by experts and we have made those reports available”.

Coun Dave Parkins said: “I can see an accident waiting to happen should we approve this.

“It just isn’t in the right place.

They are better off staying where they are it seems to me.”

Councillors voted to turn down the application on the grounds of highway safety.