'Dangerous' motorway lighting cuts condemned

Councillors fears the loss of the remaining lighting on the motorway

Plans to remove any more lights from a "dangerous" motorway are to be fought by town hall bosses.

Burnley councillors from all parties joined forces to demand a review of the safety of the M65, on which two people have died and nine have been seriously injured this year.

They have urged both National Highways and Lancashire County Council to consider replacing the lost lighting.

Labour leader Mark Townsend said safety concerns were more important than saving money, adding: "People's lives are at stake."

Townsend told the meeting on Wednesday: "I think all of us will have noticed throughout this year the repetitive headlines about accidents and delays on the M65.

"Overall there have been two fatalities, nine serious injuries and the sad death of a horse on the M65 between Preston and Burnley this year."

He said the damage was "there for all to see".

A safety review is urgently needed, all parties on Burnley Council say

Townsend said residents, drivers and commuters would be alarmed to hear of an "under the radar consultation" to remove all remaining M65 lighting between Preston and Junction 10 right in Burnley.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Gordon Birtwistle added: "The M65 even when it is not dark is a pretty dangerous road."

The Burnley motion follows Hyndburn borough's unanimous call in August for an urgent audit of the general safety of the M65, including a potential lower after-dark speed limit of 60mph.