HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc403-4
8 Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (1) what plans are in hand for improving the A.56 trunk road between Manchester and Burnley; and by what date it is intended that these plans shall be completed;

(2) when it is planned to provide a fly-over or by-pass on the A.56 trunk road at Rawtenstall so as to avoid the railway level crossing and the dangerous bridge over the River Irwell; and

(3) when it is planned to improve the narrow A.56 trunk road at Loveclough so as to make it safer for both pedestrians and traffic.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

We intend to improve this trunk road throughout its length, and our plans include a by-pass of Bury and local diversions at Edenfield and Rawtenstall. We shall also give priority to widening the road through Loveclough. I am not yet able to say how soon these schemes can be carried out.

Mr. Greenwood

We welcome the proposals the Minister has in mind, but is he aware that, in the course of three and a half years, over 1,000 people were injured on this road, many of them being killed? Does he appreciate that this is the arterial road for the whole textile industry of North-East Lancashire, and that, so long as there is this tremendous hold up at the level crossing in Rawtenstall, great harm is inflicted upon the industry, and, of course, new industries are discouraged from going to the area?

Mr. Watkinson

I am very anxious to get on with the road programme, and I will ask my divisional road engineer to look very carefuuly at what the hon. Gentlemen says.

Mr. Burke

Does the Minister realise that this road circles the North-East Lancashire Development Area and that the sooner it is completed the better it will be for the industrial development of the area? Can he give any date?

Mr. Watkinson

I cannot; but, as I have said, I will ask my divisional road engineer to look into it.

Mr. Greenwood

If we were to table a Question again in a few weeks' time, would the Minister then, perhaps, be able to give a firm date for the completion?

Mr. Watkinson

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a Question down about it.

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