Mixed response as rural Cuerden lane reopens to traffic

In July, closures were introduced at several points on Shady Lane and Nell Lane in Cuerden as part of plans to make some roads a more appealing option for cyclists and pedestrians, while public transport was being discouraged during the ongoing pandemic.

At that time Cuerden Valley Park boss Simon Thorpe said it could jeopardise the jobs of the 19 full and part-time café staff who had only just returned to work.

Other people living locally were keen to see the closures, as they believe the lanes had become rat-runs for commuters.

The temporary closure order was set to last until December 31, but has been ended early by Lancashire County Council (LCC) as local flooding has caused difficulties for refuse collection and road sweepers.

Sarah Elsy of Cuerden Parish Council said the reopening was a "disaster", while park boss Mr Thorpe said he was "delighted".

Councilor Elsy said: By cycling ,running and walking hundreds of people have been able to access these roads during lockdowns and it looks like LCC, having taken advantage of Government funding, now wish to revert to choking up these country lanes when this could surely be avoided.

"Whilst it is understandable that access to Nell Lane is vital due to flooding issues, surely these roads can remain closed except for LCC service vehicles and emergency services?

"Most drivers are now aware that these roads are closed but once the barriers are removed these roads will revert to rat runs.

"Many walkers and cyclists have been accessing Cuerden Valley and travelling to work - as LCC and central Government wanted - in a healthy and beneficial way. People who have never walked these lanes before are able to do so safely. Surely LCC Highways can introduce signage to allow only emergency and service vehicles only to use these roads? "

Lancashire County Council declined to comment on the suggestion for emergency and service vehicles.

A spokesman said: "The closure of Nell Lane and Shady Lane to through-traffic was one of a number of temporary measures introduced as part of the emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic to make it easier for people to walk and cycle due to the restrictions on public transport.

"The closure at the junction of Nell Lane and Shady Lane had the effect of reducing traffic levels on both roads, making them a more attractive route for cyclists, by removing the opportunity for vehicles to use them as a direct route between south Preston and Clayton-le-Woods.

"This closure was introduced for this specific purpose using a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order which is due to expire at the end of this year. There is currently no proposal to make it permanent, which would require a separate formal process including public consultation.

"We have already removed some of the coronavirus walking and cycling measures as the onset of colder wet weather means they are unlikely to be as popular in the winter months, however there was a specific need for the early removal of this closure to allow access to Nell Lane from Shady Lane due to an issue with flooding on Nell Lane."

Simon Thorpe said: "We’re delighted that Shady Lane and Nell Lane have been reopened again after the temporary Covid cycle lane restrictions.

"The confusion for park visitors caused by the road closed signage has come to an end, and our staff and tenant farmers can now travel around the park more quickly and efficiently again saving us time and fuel not having to go on diversion routes.

"We fully support national and local efforts to encourage safer cycling, and we know that the temporary closure was appreciated by cyclists and pedestrians enjoying the quieter roads and slower traffic. Now that the roads are open to through traffic again we would be supportive of measures to slow traffic speeds for everyone’s safety.

"The existing cycle path through the park which is part of the National Cycle Network, provides ideal links between Bamber Bridge, Clayton le Woods and Whittle le Woods.

"The cycle path has been badly affected by flooding and we feel that Lancashire County Council would be best spending Government funds to promote cycling by repairing this existing path to make it safer."