Highways bosses are to look at improving safety on Blackburn main road

Blackburn with Darwen Council highways bosses are to look at improving safety on a main road in the borough following major housing developments in the area.

They have promised to consider what upgrades are necessary to Broken  Stone Road in Feniscowles because of the home building.

The move follows Livesey Parish Council chairman Les Cade raising the issue with Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Phil Riley after the authority’s executive board meeting this month.

Several large housing estates with more than 1,300 homes are being built along of near Broken Stone Road causing concerns over highway safety among residents and local councillors.

Mr Cade said: After executive board Phil came over to me and said he has asked the council officers to revisit Broken Stone Road and look to see what can be done to improve its safety.

“He stated the  area surrounding Broken Stone and the way the road was used had certainly changed which required action to be taken.

“He further stated the council now found itself on the wrong side of the argument and recognised its inherent dangers requiring attention before anyone got killed.

“I pointed out that someone had already been killed on that road.

“We both agreed the road was no longer the same as it was 10 years ago as it had indeed become busier and therefore more dangerous.

“I am pleased the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Cllr Phil Riley has had an opportunity to reflect upon our concerns over Broken Stone and Bog Height roads recognising they are no longer country lanes due to the increased traffic along both roads.

“I welcome the news the council will now look to see what improvements can be made for all of our residents which we will of course continue to monitor.”

Cllr Riley said: “ I’m pleased that Mr Cade has raised the issue with me and I’m determined that the council will take the concerns of residents seriously and make some changes that will reflect the very obvious fact that the road has changed over recent years and pedestrian safety needs to be improved.

Carmel Foster-Devine, head of highways, transport and networks at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: “We’re really pleased that major housing investors have seen the potential of creating new homes to live in our borough.

“The Broken Stone Road area has become an especially popular place to live.

“As a result, we’re constantly evaluating how we can improve amenities for everyone living and travelling in the area.

“For example, we’re currently undertaking drainage works on Gib Lane and next year we’ll be working on the drainage at Broken Stone Road and Horden Rake too, to ensure the system works to its full potential.

“We’re also planning to improve the verges for pedestrians walking along Broken Stone Road, where this is possible. We will share more details soon.”

Ewood Labour councillor Elaine Whittingham has also campaigned for improvements to Broken Stone Road.