TRADERS today welcomed a scheme which could spell the end of fed-up motorists being forced to queue in rush-hour traffic.

Lancashire County Council has published proposals to help improve traffic flow on the congested A681 Bacup Road, in Waterfoot.

Highways bosses have drafted a £160,000 scheme which would see the introduction of two mini-roundabouts, and a puffin crossing and a zebra crossing to promote pedestrian safety.

It would also involve widening part of the footway in Bacup Road, Cowpe Road, and Burnley Road East.

The move comes after a solution to the traffic problems was stumbled upon when temporary gas works were carried out earlier this year.

The traffic lights were replaced by a mini-roundabout which seemed to solve congestion.

Barry Holden, road safety engineer at the county council, said: "The aim of the scheme is to improve traffic flow, assist pedestrians, and prevent injury accidents occurring along the length of Bacup Road and the junction of Burnley Road East."

He said the plans are to place mini-roundabouts in Bacup Road at the junctions of Burnley Road East and Cowpe Road; create a puffin pedestrian crossing in Bacup Road to the east of the Burnley Road East junction; place a zebra crossing in Burnley Road East near to the bus turnaround area; and a pedestrian refuge will be provided on the west side of the mini-roundabout at the junction of Burnley Road East.

Block paved pedestrian crossovers are proposed at the junctions of Spring Garden Street, Millar Barn Lane, the access to the car park, Victoria Parade, and the access to the bus turning area.

Mr Holden added: "It will highlight to drivers exiting these roads of the possible presence of pedestrians crossing the side roads.

"There will be provision maintained for the parking of taxis, and a length identified east of the puffin crossing for loading and unloading."

Steve Taylor, of Steve's Quality Fruiterers, in Bacup Road, said: "I am delighted by the proposals. I don't think there's one thing that I would have changed.

"It seems to tick all the right boxes and has been well thought out. After I raised concerns initially about not being able to load and unload my goods under the new scheme that has been addressed, and they have given me my own loading bay which to me is vital.

"I have spoken to other traders who are happy with the scheme and are glad that something is being done about the traffic problems at long last.

Hopefully this will put an end to all the talk of a by-pass as that would have meant the death of all the local traders."

People wishing to comment on the proposals can contact Mr Holden at Lancashire County Council, PO Box 9, Guild House, Cross Street, Preston, PR1 8RD.