County chief backs road aim

Lancashire's highways chief is backing the bid for a start to be made soon on the long-awaited link road from the M55 to Fylde.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jul 2016, 09:00 BST
Wild Lane has been closed since 2014Wild Lane has been closed since 2014
Wild Lane has been closed since 2014

The need for the road has been reaching crisis point after two recent instances of the area becoming grid-locked after accidents on one of the only three current routes linking Blackpool and Fylde.

Fylde Council has been leading negotiations to put together a funding project to deliver the much-needed replacement for Wild Lane and help considerably ease congestion.

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Meanwhile, Fylde’s MP Mark Menzies has also promised that all parties involved are focused on starting work as soon as possible.

Lancashire County Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Highways England and Kensington Developments are the other parties involved in the talks which have been ongoing since the closure of Wild Lane – also known as the moss road – more than 18 months ago.

The aim is to put together a project to deliver a new fit-for-purpose road which will ease the current strain on Queensway and Clifton Drive but, more importantly, generate economic activity by unlocking development for more than 1,150 homes.

Along with £2million from the LEP Growth Deal, the aim is to secure contributions from Lancashire County Council and Fylde Council and the possibility of additional funding through Highways England.

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County Coun John Fillis, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This new link road is a key priority for the adopted Fylde Coast Highways and Transport Masterplan and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan.

“It is the best solution to the need to replace Wild Lane and provide access to the new housing area.

“ Delivering any new road is always a complex matter and takes time, and I’m glad that we’re working towards reaching an agreement which will allow it to be funded.”

Fylde Council leader Coun Susan Fazackerley said: “It is essential a new road is secured as soon as possible, one that is built in a single phase that is not reliant on the build out rate and the sales of property on the new development.

“The residents of Fylde, visitors and commuters need a road that can meet the demands of a growing and prosperous area.

Related topics:FyldeLancashire County CouncilLancashireM55Blackpool