A CONTROVERSIAL motorway, cancelled in the wake of massive public protest, could be back on the agenda according to a local politician.

South Ribble Tory candidate Robert Atkins claims the Preston Southern and Western Motorway could be back on the drawing board four years after the plans were first put forward.

His fears about the road - which under original plans cut through Farington, New Longton, Howick and Hutton to Freckleton - came, he says, after Preston and South Ribble Partnership members voted to prioritise it along with other issues.

Mr Atkins added: "This is the councillors' secret agenda. It has been hidden up to now.

"This road would smash it's way through the countryside and damage the environment, rural businesses, schools and homes."

But South Ribble Labour candidate and Preston Council leader David Borrow and Partnership Chief Executive Andrew Harris said residents could rest assured the road was NOT in the pipeline.

Mr Borrow said: "This died years ago. Our tight budget is to be used to invest in public transport.

"As far as I'm concerned it's not on the agenda."

And Mr Harris added: "Both councils were excluded from the voting. The issues were discussed by 50 members from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

"This was just one topic raised by two or three members . It was put as quite a low priority."

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