RESIDENTS in a picturesque village claim the long-awaited opening of the M65 has failed to solve chronic traffic problems.

People in Brindle believe the lack of decent road signs in the area is the cause of most of the congestion.

The Highways Agency said the £145 million motorway extension would drastically cut traffic in villages around Blackburn and Darwen.

But Brindle Parish Council says traffic is still a major headache because there are no signs directing motorists on to the new motorway.

Parish Council chairman Joan Croasdale said: "There is no problem on the Blackburn side of the motorway but there are no signs at the other end of the village. It seems absolutely ridiculous that they can spend £145 million on a new road and overlook something as simple as decent road signs.

"We were promised the new road would solve all our problems but it seems very little has changed."

Councillors claim more than 1000 cars passed through the area in just under two hours on an evening when Blackburn Rovers played at home.

Mrs Croasdale added: "There are fewer lorries but motorists simply do not know how to get onto the M65, we are still inundated with cars.

"We have been on to the Highways Agency about the problem and they have told us that the signs are being made."

The problem will be discussed at the Parish Council meeting on Monday.

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