THE initial findings of a government study into tackling congestion at the end of the M65 are due before the end of next month.

The £300,000 Highways England investigation was launched in 2019 following pressure by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson for a solution to longstanding traffic problems in Colne where the motorway from Preston, Blackburn and Burnley terminates.

The newly -appointed transport minister has now been told that the study will not now be completed until the autumn, a year late due to the nature of the study which is also looking at extending the M65 or otherwise improving cross-Pennine roads from Colne.

Elliot Shaw, Highways England's executive director for strategy and planning, tells Mr Stephenson in a letter: "Given the complex nature of the study, we have required more time to complete the work than the autumn timeframe originally envisioned.

"We fully recognise the need for pace on this study, but also want to ensure we have fully considered the combinations of potential schemes and their wider impact on people and places.

"We are still on track to present our preliminary findings by the end of March."

Mr Stephenson said, “Having secured this study into addressing Colne’s appalling congestion, I am keen to see it make real progress. Too many previous attempts to solve this have ended up in the long grass and that can’t be allowed to happen again.

“I am pleased that the study’s initial findings will be available soon and will be meeting with Highways England to discuss them in the coming weeks."