RESIDENTS packed into a public meeting to discuss controversial traffic calming schemes in Hyndburn.

The spotlight was also turned on a new £2.3million public transport initiative at a meeting of the borough's traffic management review panel.

The all-party forum was set up following the Tories' election victory to look at the council's 'humps and bumps,' policy which has been slammed as a waste of money and dangerous by some members and residents.

The meeting heard residents' concerns about build-outs in Burnley Road, which they claim are blocking the view of drivers trying to pull out of junctions on to the main road.

There will be a chance for a wider debate on traffic calming schemes at a public discussion set for the autumn.

The meeting was also given a presentation by county transport officer Phil Huddart about plans to introduce machines on buses, which would alter traffic lights from red to green on approach, to speed up traffic flow.

The proposals would involve a £2.3million package from Stagecoach and Lancashire County Council, which could see new bus lanes created in Accrington and Clayton-le-Moors. Some people expressed concern that the scheme could cause traffic jams with buses being given priority, while cars following buses through green lights, may cause accidents.

The county council has promised full public consultation before any proposals are introduced.

Chairman of the panel Coun Douglas Deakin, said: "There were about 30 people at the meeting and they were allowed to speak all the way through.

"We have taken the names of everyone who expressed concerns about various schemes and the officers will write to them."

Several of the issues are likely to be discussed at the next meeting of Hyndburn Council's environmental services committee, on August 31.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.