RESIDENTS today blasted road bosses claiming they were not told about plans to close a main Rossendale street yesterday.

But Lancashire County Council said public notices were displayed in Waterfoot a week prior to when the re-surfacing work started -- giving plenty of notice to locals.

People in the Cowpe Road area say they were shocked to discover that the main access road was closed while workers filled in potholes.

Disgruntled resident Frank Elson, 55, who lives with his wife Marjorie in Hardman Close, said: "I couldn't believe the road had been closed without even receiving a letter about it.

"I got a questionnaire through the post in December asking which day would be best but then never heard anything else.

"I contacted the highways people who told me that notices had been posted in the area. How are motorists supposed to see small signs at the edge of the road?

"I was only able to get out because I have a 4x4 which is able to get across a dirt track. Other residents wouldn't have been so lucky."

Eric Cudworth, 80, of Lumb Holes Lane, said: "One side of the road could have been kept open for people to get in and out. It's caused a lot of problems."

A county spokesman said: "Questionnaires were sent out a few weeks prior to the work as to what day was preferred for the work to be carried out.

Most people said March 14.

"Site notices were put up along the road and a large yellow sign was put up on the bridge to say the road will be closed between 9am to 4.30pm.

"Because it was such a small job and site notices were posted we decided not to send letters to more than 200 houses."