PROPOSALS to change the face of Colne town centre have been unveiled to allow local people to have their say.

An exhibition is under way at the town hall to outline plans to re-shape the centre to help relieve traffic gridlock in and around the town.

People can pick up a leaflet printed by Pendle Council featuring four options and vote for the one they like the best, or put forward their own alternative suggestions.

They will also be sent to homes and businesses along the roads affected by the proposed changes. In all 3,000 will be printed. The exhibition will move to the library from May 24-June 4.

The changes include turning Craddock Road from one-way to two-way, closing Market Street between Windy Bank and Dockray Street except for loading and unloading at certain times, extra traffic calming measures in Church Street and Market Street, more pedestrian crossings and two-way traffic between Skipton Road and Dockray Street.

The council's highways manager, Peter Atkinson, said: "I urge people affected by the traffic problems in Colne to help us find the best solution.

"Our aim is to design a safe and efficient road system which suits local people." The result of the survey will be reported to the council's policy committee next month. The recommended option will be put to Lancashire County Council for consideration as part of a joint Pendle, county and police study into traffic problems.

Anyone who would like a leaflet posting to them can contact the 24 hour freephone highways hotline on 0800 374747 leaving their name and address. The leaflets can be folded to form a freepost envelope which must be returned by June 4.

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