PENDLE Council and Nynex have begun to implement a plan to minimise the disruption caused by cable-laying around the borough.

Following a meeting of councillors and Nynex officials, the council is distributing leaflets to answer people's questions about the work, which will see many of Pendle's pavements dug up between now and 1997.

Permission for the work was granted by central government, but the council must ensure that Nynex stick to the rules.

Two council inspectors will be checking up on work to make sure that it comes up to standard.

It usually takes about a week for cables to be laid on a street. To begin with, tarmac may replace stone flags, but all unbroken flags will be replaced eventually.

Construction work is designed, where possible, to avoid trees, and Nynex are under strict instruction not to cause any damage to trees.

Any work which does affect trees has to be done in accordance with a code of practice drawn up by tree experts, local authorities and the Department of the Environment.

And, according to the council, early morning and late night work will be kept to a minimum.

There are two free telephone lines for anyone with a question or complaint.

Nynex have told Pendle Council that most problems can be dealt with "quickly and amicably."

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