WORK is finally scheduled to begin on a 600-yard ‘missing’ stretch of road.

Last month, Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses submitted amended plans for the roundabout at Gorse Street which is needed to build the missing link of the £40million Pennine Reach public transport and highway scheme.

Planning and highways committee members unanimously approved the plans, enabling construction work on the the final 600-yard ‘missing’ section of the £4.8million Furthergate Link Road to start later this summer.

The construction of the new highway, bypassing Burnley Road, was halted in 2016 because of a row between the council and Tesco over a small piece of land off Gorse Street on the car park belonging to the chain’s Hill Street store.

Borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “I think this is a piece of work we are very keen to complete. We have now got the capital to do it.

“Some of the changes to the plan reflect how circumstances have changed since 2012.

“We are in consultation with residents affected on Burnley Road, particularly businesses who may consider they are losing passing trade.

“As far as residents are concerned, it will make Burnley Road quieter.

“The money is available from the government in terms of the growth fund so we just need this approval.”

Council development manager Gavin Prescott said: “Permission was originally granted back in 2012 and it’s an amendment to the scheme.

“It’s going to be of significant benefit to local residents and businesses through improving access.

“This is a scheme that can hopefully move forward and complete the link with the Furthergate Link Road.”

Construction of the ‘missing link’ is expected to take six months using £2million of cash provided by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

The works will connect up the main no-stopping ‘red route’ along Bottomgate and Copy Nook into Blackburn town centre with the Red Lion Roundabout and the M65 Junction 6.

Included in the application to realign plans for the crucial roundabout, and provide vehicle access to nearby allotments, is an ‘invasive species method statement’.

It reveals the presence of three plants not native to the UK which are notably difficult to remove, treat or manage.

They are Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Wall Cotoneaster located in plant beds, close to the smallholdings and by the Leeds-Liverpool canal, which runs alongside the site.

The statement outlines the need to contain the plants by fencing them off to prevent further spread and the need to employ a specialist contractor.