A COUNCILLOR is calling for action after being bombarded with complaints about traffic congestion following the opening of the new M65 extension.

Darwen councillor Dave Smith, has written to the Highways Agency in an attempt to solve the problem at Moss Bridge, Earcroft. He said: "The congestion gets so severe, especially at peak times, that it is now not unusual for a journey from Darwen town centre to Blackburn town centre to take nearly an hour for a five mile journey.

"It is causing major problems for local businesses, workers, bus passengers, school children and shoppers."

Mr Smith believes all the difficulties on the A666 stem from the introduction of traffic lights, compounded by recently installed lights at the new housing estate at Cravens Brow.

He added: "People have been offering a number of solutions and I have passed on these ideas. I would urge anybody who feels strongly about the situation to write to the Highways Agency themselves."

The Agency say they are working with Lancashire County Council engineers to resolve the 'operational problems.'

A spokesman explained that some adjustment to the 'green period' duration of the signals had already been made and the situation was being closely monitored.

A county council spokesman added: "We have been monitoring the traffic since the motorway opened. Now that the holiday period is over we can more effectively measure how the signals should operate."

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