RESIDENTS living in an isolated cul-de-sac are feeling shortchanged after eight months of wrangling over the adoption of their road.

People living in Nicola Close, Weir, paid out £800 to Lancashire County Council in spring last year so the road outside their properties could be brought up to an acceptable standard.

But, according to the council, a small number of residents objected to the plan and it has still not taken on the road.

Now householder Dennis Marsden is demanding his money back from County Hall after the road was not gritted.

He is demanding to know why money was taken from him so long ago, only for no action to be taken.

Mr Marsden, who is disabled, said: “We were left stranded here for more than two weeks because we could not get out of our own close.

"All that they have said is that the road is not adopted and it is our own responsibility, but I paid out £800 to Lancashire County Council eight months ago.

“They have cashed the cheque already, but nothing has happened.”

Yesterday the road, which has 26 houses, still remained very icy.

Mr Marsden said he had been concerned about the fate of a number of his elderly neighbours who also have mobility problems, and was worried what would happen if it snowed again.

Nicola Close is at the end of Phillips Road, which is itself only accessible via Heald Lane.

The main A671 Burnley Road through the village has been repeatedly hit by snow storms.

County council officials said the hold-up had been caused as not all residents living in Nicola Close had agreed to paying out for the road to be adopted.

Daniel Herbert, assistant area highways manager for Rossendale, said: “The county council is currently working to complete the Private Street Works process for Nicola Close so that adoption can take place.

“However, there have been objections from local residents, and officers are working to resolve these as quickly as possible to ensure the road can be adopted.

“Following the completion of the adoption process, the county council will then take over the maintenance of Nicola Close.”