Lennox locals and visitors have reacted with dismay to the announcement that Ross Lane will be completely closed from 19 October to 18 December...

With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded.

This month Ballina Shire Council is set to debate clearing of wildlife habitat on Ross Lane, near Lennox Head, and parking arrangements near Alstonville Pool, among other issues.

Intense rainfall overnight has led to the closure of Ross Lane, just west of Lennox Head.

The Ballina Shire Council says most council facilities have reopened after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Ballina Shire Council has reopened both lanes of Ross Lane, the road to Lennox Head from the west.

Yesterday a quiet driveway off flood-prone Ross Lane in Lennox Head was the scene of an unusual moment of pre-election fervour, when political representatives and candidates from across the region and every level of government came together to announce that something was finally being done about Ross Lane, along with numerous other roads across 26 disaster-declared LGAs.

The perennial question 'is Ross Lane open?' edged closer to an answer yesterday, with Ballina Council discussing a range of options to solve the flooding problem which regularly cuts off Lennox's main access to the west. Ross Lane has been closed again this week.

The perennial Lennox Head question moved a step closer to being permanently answered, after Ballina Council resolved to search for engineering solutions and funding to raise the low-lying section of Ross Lane which regularly floods.

Ballina Shire's video conferencing council meeting didn't stop quick action to support the local community and businesses.