RESIDENTS who voiced concern over road closure plans at a Burnley accident black spot have their last chance to air their views, says County Councillor Terry Burns.

Lancashire county's highways committee gave the go-ahead for closure of Brennand Street at its junction with Briercliffe Road, following 19 personal injury accidents in five years.

Three other side streets will also be off limits to through traffic to prevent drivers using them as a short cut to avoid the junction.

Extensive public consultation, including a community meeting, brought only a limited response to the closure plan.

But Coun Burns says that since the committee approved the closures he has received many representations from people concerned about the proposals. "Many people are worried that closing the Brennand Street junction will make congestion even worse at the Duke Bar one-way system where traffic is already backing up badly.

"There has been wide consultation but even the public meeting only attracted 40 people out of several hundred residents who will be directly affected by the closures."

County Coun Burns, a member of the highways committee added: "The traffic orders are now being advertised and this is the last chance for anyone to voice any concerns.

"If there is a big enough response we could even have another public meeting on the issue," he added.

Anyone wishing to air their views should write to Coun Burns at 6 Oakwood Close, Burnley BB10 2DY.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.