PLANS to spend almost half a million pounds on road safety schemes in Hyndburn will be discussed at a public meeting tonight.

Lancashire County Council traditionally have control over a number of services, including transport and education.

But in a new pilot scheme, residents of Hyndburn, are to be able to quiz county councillors in person, instead of decisions being taken at County Hall, Preston.

Among the items to be discussed at the meeting are plans for a 'one-stop shop' for Accrington, bringing together information from the borough council and the county council under one roof.

Also, the meeting will look at grants available for environmental improvement, and road safety schemes.

County Coun Doreen Pollitt, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council and county council representative for Accrington Central, said: "Residents will now be able to speak up when councillors discuss how to develop the services that are important to their communities."

During the first meeting, known as Lancashire Local, to be held at Scaitcliffe House from 7pm, members of the public will get the chance to comment on £460,000 plans for road safety.

Among the schemes, mostly set to be carried out over the next 12 months, are plans costing £80,000 for the Exchange Street and Fairfield Street area of Accrington, and £66,000 traffic calming measures for Union Road in Oswaldtwistle.

Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Council said: "Any devolution is to be welcomed.

"Even though the councils concerned are of different political hues, we at Hyndburn are determined to make this work for Hyndburn people."

The borough is one of just four areas in Lancashire to take part in the plans, along with Rossendale, West Lancashire and South Ribble.

If the committees are successful, they could one day be rolled out to the county's other eight authorities.