PEOPLE in Pendle can show their support for a village bypass as a consultation gets under way.

Lancashire County Council is giving residents the chance to highlight their support for the A56 scheme in a bid to help members decide on priorities in the county.

The authority's internal overview and scrutiny committee is looking at seven major transport schemes in preparation for the next Local Transport Plan.

Schemes, which will be prioritised for the 2006-2011 plan, include the three highway bypass proposals -- Pendle's A56 bypass from Colne and Foulridge to Earby and Kelbrook, the A570 Ormskirk bypass, and the A56 Penwortham bypass completion and improvement.

The North West Regional Assembly (NWRA), which represents councils from across the area and fights for extra funding, has made improvements to the M65 and A5 top priority and wants the route to be made into a fully-fledged trans-pennine route with bypasses around populated areas and extra lanes in rural parts of the A56.

This consultation will give the people supporting the A56 the opportunity to highlight its need and keep it as a top priority in the area. Leader of Pendle Council Azhar Ali said: "We support the proposal which would bring huge economic and environmental benefits to the area. I would urge people to get in touch with the county council through the consultation process to voice their opinions."

There are also four public transport schemes to be considered, two in Preston, one in the Fylde and the East Lancashire rapid transit.

The Heysham M6 link, which is the only major scheme bid listed in the current Local Transport Plan, remains the county council's first priority.

To take part in the consultation, people should contact Debbie Franklyn for a consultation form on 01772 262422 or 262203 or email Debbie.Franklyn@css.lancscc.gov.uk

Forms are also available by writing to Overview and Scrutiny, Democratic Services, Office of the Chief Executive, PO Box 78, County Hall, Preston, PR1 8XJ.