Public to have say on roads masterplan

Later this month the first of six consultation events will allow the public to give their views on the draft Fylde Coast Highways and Transport Master Plan, produced by Lancashire County Council.

The plan, which aims to improve economic growth and transport routes across the region, includes an extension of the Blackpool Tramway from the Promenade at North Pier to Blackpool North railway station, a new Junction 2 on the M55 near Preston and plans to ease congestion on the A585 between Windy Harbour to Skippool.

Coun John Jones, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “So many of our transport networks overlap with our Lancashire neighbours and it is only through working together that we can develop a plan to improve routes in and around the Fylde coast.

“As always, I am keen to speak to local businesses and residents about their views and am looking forward to hearing their opinions on the kind of transport system that is best for Blackpool.”

Other planned projects include consulting on links between rail and tram services and providing a terminus to the tramway extension, carrying out a study of the South Fylde railway line to explore its potential for investment and carrying out a study into the potential for improving facilities at stations on the North Fylde railway line.

County Coun John Fillis, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, added: “This is a draft strategy for the next 15 to 20 years and we now need to know whether people agree with the priorities we’ve set out and help us to make the final plan as strong as it can be.”

For more information visit www.lancashire.gov.uk

The first open exhibition is on Tuesday from 2pm to 7pm at Garstang Library, Windsor Road in Garstang, followed by a meeting at St John’s Church in Church Street, Blackpool on Wednesday, January 28 between 2pm to 7pm.

The following day Poulton Library, in Blackpool Old Road in Poulton, will open its doors to residents from 2pm to 7pm before another meeting takes place on Tuesday, February 3, at Fleetwood Library, North Albert Street in Fleetwood from 2pm to 6.45pm.

In Fylde, Kirkham Community Centre in Mill Street, Kirkham will host another event on February 4 between 12pm to 6.30pm, followed by a final event at St Annes United Reform Church, St Georges Road, on Wednesday, February 11 from 2pm to 7pm.