A DECISION by the county surveyor to put the brakes on plans for a mini roundabout at a danger junction were branded "disgraceful" by local councillors.

The county surveyor told Pendle Council he would not allow a roundabout to be created at Four Lane Ends, Brierfield, despite strong support for the scheme from local people and councillors.

The roundabout plan was the cheapest of three options to improve safety at the crossroads next to the Lane Ends pub.

Instead the surveyor wants to delay any decision for 12 months to see how new road markings and the imminent arrival of a speed camera on an approach to the junction improves traffic safety.

Coun Pauline McCormick said: "I'm not prepared to accept this ruling and don't think the council should accept it. This junction is a huge problem for our constituents and I think we should do something about it."

Coun Allan Buck branded the crossroads the worst junction in Brierfield and Reedley while Coun Roy Clarkson added: "It's quite disgraceful. Our hands our tied behind our backs."

The council's Brierfield and Reedley area committee decided to ask County Coun Richard Toon, chairman of the county's highways committee, to meet local councillors at the crossroads to see the problem for himself.

The £10,000 set aside in Pendle Council's budget for the roundabout will be switched to pay for traffic measures in the Chapel Street area of Brierfield. But councillors stressed they would not give up the fight to improve Four Lane Ends.

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