THE landlord of a pub earmarked for possible demolition as part of a road improvement scheme said today: 'I'm going nowhere'.

Eamonn Burke has only been the tenant of the Duke of Buccleugh, Bacup, Road, Waterfoot, since December 3, but has already built up an affection for the town.

Leeds-based consultants Halcrow Group were commisioned to carry out a transport study into the main road between Rawtenstall and Bacup and the traffic problems at the lights in Waterfoot centre.

One of the company's four options to alleviate the problems involves building a new link to the proposed new section of road to the south of the town.

The report says: "This would necessitate the demolition of the public house adjacent to Duke Street."

Mr Burke, who is tenant oub owned by Leeds-based Unique Pubs, said: "This is the first I have heard of it.

"We will be raising a petition if this option is being seriously considered and I am sure 100 per cent of my customers will be against this plan.

"I am going to tell them -- no chance." Other options include only allowing public transport, cyclists and access on the present through road, allowing road users to go into the town to turn on to Burnley Road East and a fourth, a cheaper option, to alter the lights and provide a dedicated lane to link with Burnley Road East. The report actually calls the road Burnley Road and Waterfoot greengrocer Steve Taylor said: "They can't even get the name of the road right.

"The last time Rossendale Council did some work it was to block pave the pavements and I lost 30 per cent of trade and it hasn't come back.

"Thanks but no thanks. They are probably going to spend more on paper work and meetings than they actually spend doing anything." If the new road was to go-ahead it would be to the south of the shops following Warth Old Road.

It would pass next to Irwell House sheltered accommodation, and go across the River Irwell and a public car park off Cowpe Road behind former Barclays Bank would become part of the new road.

Members of the development and environmental services department will discuss the report tonight. They are recommended to consult with the public before deciding which option to pursue.