A BATTLING MP wants constituents hit by the A666 roadworks nightmare to write to her so she can press a fellow minister into tough action on the issue.

Transport Minister Lord MacDonald is consulting on moves to reduce the disruption caused by utility companies such as gas, water, electricity and telecommunication firms repeatedly digging up roads.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson and constituents in Darwen are seething at the constant chaos caused by such works on the A666 which connects Blackburn and Bolton with the town.

Earlier this year she was promised that problems were over and was stunned to discover that there were to be another five sets of work before Christmas. She is demanding an inquiry and has contacted the local councils and the firms themselves to vent her anger.

Now the Broadcasting Minister is determined to take advantage of the consultation announced by government colleague Lord MacDonald to ensure a tough new regime is introduced.

He has proposed two options - charging the utilities for staying longer than agreed or charging them from the start of work to the finish to encourage them to dig up streets less often and to complete such activities more quickly.

Mrs Anderson said: "I would like constituents to write to me with their experiences so I can enclose them with my letter to Lord MacDonald.

"I want to make the case that what has happened on this road is unacceptable and to press him for very strong action so it doesn't happen again."

Lord MacDonald said: "We all know the problems that street works can cause but we also know that such works are inevitable to maintain essential services for residents and businesses. We want to minimise the disruption they cause and believe there is scope for improvement. We are open to suggestions and welcome other ideas."

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