THE Grane Road has been blighted by problems -- and serious accidents -- for far too long.

So perhaps we should not be surprised that the scheme which could end the nightmare for people using the road - or those living beside it - has also been hit by problems.

A long-awaited ban on heavy lorries using the notorious stretch of highway was finally announced last year.

As well as stopping vehicles rumbling past residents' homes at all hours of the day, it was felt a ban would cut down on the amount of deisel spilt on to the road -- something that has been blamed for turning the Grane Road a treacherous road surface and the cause of many accidents in recent months and years.

Since the ban was announced there have been two accidents on the road and a lorry has jack-knifed. That is something which clearly highlights the pressing need for this action to come into force.

But it will be several months yet before the scheme is properly implemented.

Some residents feel Lancashire County Council and the Highways Agency have been dragging their heels.

Whatever the reason for the delay, it is symptomatic of the saga which has surrounded the problem road for years.

People deserve better -- not just those living there but the motorists who risk death or serious injury every day.