SCORES of angry residents packed into a meeting about Network Rail’s controversial plans to close roads in and around Blackrod while a railway bridge is rebuilt.

The meeting, which was held at Blackrod Church School, aimed to address concerns ahead of the forthcoming closure of Station Road, which will be shut to motorists from February 2 for 15 weeks as Network Rail carries out the work.

Bosses say the bridge needs to be rebuilt while the organisation carries out £400 million plans to electrify the train network in the north of England.

The work will overlap with another project, with Network Rail also planning to rebuild a bridge in Grimeford Lane in neighbouring Adlington, leaving that road out of action from early March until June 11.

Residents are worried that the double closure will mean longer journeys and limited access to key routes.

Joanne Howard, aged 52, who runs the Food Galore Door to Door business in Widford Walk, near Station Road, believes the closures could bankrupt her.

She said: “This is ridiculous — most of my customers are across the road where the work will take place and I won’t be able to get to them — the loss of trade could put me out of business.”

Horwich resident Jennifer Perry, aged 46, of Rotherhead Close, added: “I don’t have a helicopter so how am I going to cope?

“I have to do two school runs and I’m even considering taking a month’s annual leave from work so I can still get the kids to school.”

Her neighbour, Bill Bones, aged 67, questioned why a temporary bridge could not be put up while the work takes place.

He said: “I was in the army and we could put temporary bridges up in 24 hours.

“I am a pensioner and cannot budget for the extra money I will have to pay in petrol.”

Councillors have also expressed concern about the longer journeys that emergency services will have to take.

Blackrod town councillor Stephen Laycock said: “The work needs to be done but my big concern is the potential delays for the emergency services in closing both of these roads at the same time.

“I didn’t really get any answers to that problem at the meeting — but there was a very good turnout from people with genuine concerns.”

Horwich and Blackrod ward councillor Ann Cunliffe said: “The problem is is that there are no real possible diversions with the closure of these two roads at the same time.”

Network Rail spokesman Stephen Cooper said: “There is never a good time to close a road, but when it is built, this bridge will be suitable for 100 years of use.”