LOCALS in Oswaldtwistle who accuse motorists of treating Union Road as a rat run are to have their chance to suggest a solution, when they take to the streets this month.

Oswaldtwistle area council has agreed to invite residents to join members on a trip along Union Road, where they will be able to see the issues for themselves.

The walk, which will be held on September 27, was organised to look at the area's problems in a rerun of a similar event in Accrington two weeks ago which councillors hope will lead to action.

The street audit will start at the Black Dog pub and councillors, officers and residents will split into four groups where they will look at litter, traffic and anything else bothering them.

They will finish at the Town Hall, where tea and coffee will be served and a report drawn up to be discussed at the next meeting of the area council in December.

Residents have complained Union Road has become a 'rat run' for drivers coming off the M65 near Shadsworth and cutting over New Lane.

And an accident on Union Road in 1997, nine-year-old Jolene Lindsay, of Bright Street, died in hospital after collision with a Volvo in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

Two months ago, the area council rejected Lancashire County Council plans in the Harvey Street to Moscow Mill Street area to construct a mini roundabout.

They sent Lancashire back to the drawing board and requested a new proposal produced by consultation with local people

Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "This is a very important issue for local people and I am sure there will be a wide range of opinions about what is the best solution.

"I feel we need more mini roundabouts like a hole in the head. The one at New Lane is a disaster and I feel they cause more harm than good."