A RESIDENT is planning to launch a campaign in a bid to block plans for the new multi-million-pound Asda superstore in Rawtenstall.

Judith Lord, of Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, has warned that traffic congestion would spiral out of control if the development was given the go-ahead.

The Asda store, which is currently based at Bocholt Way, was given outline planning permission to create a two-storey development at the Lower Mills site.

Mrs Lord, a member of Rossendale Civic Trust is seeking the committee's support in backing her plight to prevent Burnley Road turning into a 'traffic nightmare'.

And today Civic Trust leaders said they shared the same concerns.

Mrs Lord now hopes to launch a petition to protest against the supermarket.

She said: "The traffic problems are going to be horrendous. The plan is to install four sets of traffic lights.

"Wherever there are large supermarkets they usually have a dual carriageway.

"It's going to be a nightmare especially during rush-hour for people wanting to get to and from work. I can see this causing chaos so it needs to be sorted out now. I plan to launch a campaign to stop this development from going ahead."

She explained that two lanes planned by Asda will not be enough to keep traffic flowing on Burnley Road.

Kathy Fishwick, secretary of the society, said: "There is a growing unease in the community about the effect on traffic in Rossendale.

"We want to know how this is going to actually work and we share the concerns.

"Public awareness means somebody must provide us with details about how the traffic management will work.

"The by-pass was installed in the 1960s to relieve congestion on Rossendale's main thoroughfare. It seems that this development will turn the by-pass into an access road for Asda which isn't the road purpose of the road."

Jeremy Fieldsend, a spokesman for Asda, said: "We had a public exhibition showing the plans, which lots of people came to. We had overwhelming support. There were some concerns about traffic and we explained to people what was going to happen.

"Asda are putting in one set of traffic lights at one junction which is being created with access from St Mary's Way.

"All of the highways issues were agreed and sorted out at the outline planning stage. We have to work to a legally binding contract between Asda and Rossendale Council that ensures any alterations to the highways which have been agreed are carried out. That is still being put together."