Final public exhibition for M55 link road held today

Lancashire County Council is consulting on the proposals for the Preston Western Distributor and East West Link Road.

The scheme includes a new road linking southern Fylde and Preston to the M55, and two new roads connecting to new and existing housing areas of North West Preston and Cottam.

Around 350 residents have already been to find out more about the plans, with the final event today at Preston Grasshoppers.

Julie Buttle, clerk to Woodplumpton Parish Council, said the new roads had been discussed at the group’s latest meeting.

She said concerns raised included clarity over the specific dates for the roads to be started and finished, the maintenance of hedges, and also the impact on the existing area of construction traffic.

Phill Wilson, City Deal project manager said: “The first two consultation events have been well-attended, with around 350 people in total. Thank you to everyone who came along and gave their views. Our final consultation event takes place today at Preston Grasshoppers on Lightfoot Green Lane, from 10am to 8pm.

“Even if you can’t make it, you can also share your views on the county council’s website until Friday, February 12.

“We’ve already had lots of comments about these proposals and we’ll be looking at them once the consultation has finished, to take people’s views into account.”

The proposed Preston Western Distributor is a 4.3km dual carriageway linking the A583 to the M55 at Bartle with a new motorway junction.

The East West Link Road would be a 3.4km single-carriageway road linking Lightfoot Lane to the Preston Western Distributor.

As part of the Preston Western Distributor, a single carriageway link road will be created to Cottam Way.

The Cottam Link Road will join the Preston Western Distributor just north of the Lancaster Canal.