PEOPLE will be consulted over the controversial proposed by-passes between Colne and Thornton-in-Craven in October and November, according to Gordon Prentice, the area's MP.

The £31million road scheme to by-pass Foulridge, Kelbrook, Sough, and Earby, has split public opinion.

"No-one any longer believes that we can build our way out of congestion," said Mr Prentice.

"New roads inevitably attract new traffic and that is why the government now insists on a new road appraisal system being put into place before tarmacadam covers green fields.

"We need to know the environmental benefits in terms of the local economy and the wellbeing of local people.

"In short we need to know what will happen if we build a new road and what will happen if we don't."

The appraisal of the by-pass scheme, known as the A56 Village Bypasses, will go ahead once the public consultation is finished.

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