IT took a lot of political lobbying and a lengthy inquiry to get the M65 built across East Lancashire.

Many voices were raised against the road, claiming it would ruin the landscape and traffic flow did not warrant its construction.

But the benefits the motorway has brought to the area over the last eight years are undeniable.

Economically it has given birth to a development corridor and made access to many parts of East Lancashire from elsewhere in the country much faster.

And environmentally it has eased the pressure on winding, traffic-clogged roads between the area's towns.

Looking back, it is a pity that the M65 wasn't originally built with three lanes for its full length like the vast majority of Britain's motorways.

Not only would that have removed the danger caused by vehicles having to change from three lanes to two but it would also have saved the need for the lobbying now under way for widening.

Both Lancashire County and Blackburn with Darwen councils are pushing the government for expansion cash although green campaigners oppose it.

The motorway has proved its worth and the case for upgrading it is strong, as is the need for continuing the carriageways into Yorkshire to end the bottlenecks that plague Colne's North Valley Road.