Anger as Extwistle Road and Todmorden Road closure in Burnley extended by three months

The road in question – Extwistle and Todmorden Road – a country road which connects Worsthorne and Harle Syke is often used as a rural shortcut by many residents in the outlying areas of Burnley.

In recent years, the road has become in need of repair and was closed by Lancashire County Council in September for three months.

However, the Burnley Express understands that there are currently not sufficient funds available until the next financial year to begin the work and that the road closure has now been extended by a further three months.

Lancashire County Council has, though, confirmed that drainage works on Extwistle Road, which has been under two way temporary signals, should be completed today.

Todmorden Road, however, remains closed, including Cockden Bridge which is shut due to unsafe road conditions. It is not known at this stage exactly when work can be carried out and therefore when it will reopen.

Resident Mr Richard Sagar, who lives near to the Roggerham Gate Inn, told the Express how the road closure has added huge delays to his car journeys.

He said: “The road conditions have been poor for a number of years and residents have made this clear to Lancashire County Council. We were pleased that it looked like improvements were going to be made but so far there has been nothing done.

“It is deeply frustrating for us all, residents and businesses alike, who are being affected by this ongoing closure. My mother lives in Briercliffe and my normal journey to visit her would take five minutes, but since the road closure it now takes around 45 minutes.

“I have been told there is not enough money in the budget currently and that repair work cannot be carried out until the next financial year starts in April. This would explain the latest extension of the cloure.”

Alison Leigh, the landlady of the Crooked Billet pub in Worsthorne, said the road closure had affected her trade and those of other businesses in the village.

She added: “The road closure just seems to be going on forever. We’ve definitely noticed a drop in passing trade in recent weeks from walkers who would normally hike around this area. I think other local businesses have all said the same.”

Matt Townsend, director of Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, said: “We have been undertaking some drainage works on Extwistle Road under two way temporary signals which, if not already, will be completed today.

“Following these works, we will be undertaking resurfacing works which will see a road closure from 20 Extwistle Road to 37 Church Square, starting at the parking bay between November 25th and December 2nd.

“Todmorden Road remains closed which includes Cockden Bridge due to unsafe road conditions and we are in the process of identifying solutions for its repair.”