WORK to install overhead lighting on the Whitebirk roundabout has been delayed again.

The hold-up means motorists will be in for more misery as the project - originally supposed to finish in mid-January - drags into next month.

The notorious roundabout, at junction six of the M65, was set to be closed overnight last night so the traffic lights and lighting gantries could be put in.

But the equipment has not arrived on time and the roundabout was open as normal.

The roundabout, at the border of Blackburn and Hyndburn, is one of the county's worst traffic hotspots, with dangerous tailb-acks at busy times.

Council chiefs say that the £2million improvement project to widen roads and install traffic lights will make the roundabout safer and easier to use.

But drivers say using it has become a "nightmare" since the work began.

Lancashire County Council is carrying out the work on behalf of the Highways Agency.

When work began in October, it was expected to last 13 weeks, with a completion date in mid-January.

In December it was revealed the roadworks have been held up because equipment for the overhead lights had not arrived on time, pushing the completion date into February.

Last night's closure was expected to allow the lighting gantries to be installed - but they have still not arrived. The road will now be closed overnight on January 30 and February 2.

All approaches will also be closed, and diversions put in place. Council bosses now say the work will finish in mid-February.

County Coun Tony Martin, cabinet member for sustainable development, said it was possible the council could look for compensation from its contractors.

He said: "If it's just a normal piece of kit that hasn't arrived, and they should have known about it, we will be very hard-nosed about it."