CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating news that work is due to start on the Gillibrand Link Road in less than a fortnight's time.

Chorley borough councillor Ralph Snape, who has been at the forefront of the campaign, says he has fought for the new road for more than a quarter of a century.

Residents hope the long-awaited development will cut congestion.

Councillor Snape said: "I'm really delighted it is now going ahead after all this time. We are lucky nobody has been killed on Collingwood."

He said 7,000 a vehicles a day had been officially counted on Collingwood Road, adding: "Even when the road is built we still need traffic calming measures in place." Councillor Snape is due to meet representatives from Lancashire County Council to discuss the matter next month.

The road is part of a development involving a consortium including housing giants Wainhomes Northern and Redrow homes (Lancashire).

The road has been paid for by the developers while Lancashire County Council will manage the construction.

The road is intended to form part of a westerly bypass for Chorley. It was given the go ahead following a public inquiry.

Alan Croston, Chorley Borough Council's head of planning services, said: "We understand work is programmed to start shortly on the scheme.

"The prime purpose of this road is to provide access to new housing that's taking place in the Gillibrand area. Up to 600 houses will be built there. It is a long standing proposal from the New Town days.

"That road will also operate as a short section of by-pass on the western side of Chorley and will relieve existing roads such as Collingwood Road."

The new homes will go up early next year. There will also be local shops, a community centre and 12 acres of playing fields. A primary school site has also been allocated.