CONTROVERSIAL plans for the pedestrianisation of Colne centre will be the focus of attention for councillors early this year.

The long-awaited plans to cut out the traffic bottleneck through Market Street were expected to be welcomed when Lancashire County Council Highways chiefs announced the money was waiting for the project last month.

Since then, however, both traders and some councillors have voiced fierce opposition to the proposal, part of the £28million Transport Plan for Lancashire.

Colne Town Centre Forum has said that with major retail developments taking place on the outskirts of town, the loss of passing trade would sound the death knell for the struggling centre.

Pendle Council's Colne committee chairman Jo Belbin has said her committee had made clear its opposition in the past.

But the issue will take centre stage again at the next meeting of the committee when members will be told the cash is now available and waiting to be spent.

One councillor who favours a traffic-free scheme is Colne member and county councillor Tim Ormrod who says it is make your mind up time for the town.

"While traders have voiced opposition, I know of many people who don't have cars who would warmly welcome pedestrianisation because of the traffic hazards in the centre at present," he said. "I am quite relaxed about the issue, but we have to make a decision."

Coun Ormrod said a full report was being drawn up by council officers and another option was to go for partial pedestrianisation, allowing only buses, taxis and bicycles along Market Street.

He added: "Public consultation a few years ago showed a small majority in favour of pedestrianisation."