LORRY drivers who ignore weight limits on a Darwen bridge to avoid the town centre roadworks are being warned they will be fined.

The move is one of the steps aimed at improving safety in Pole Lane and its continuation into Grimshaw Lane and preventing it being used as a rat run'.

Residents say the bridge could become dangerous if its heavy over-use continues and some worry it will eventually collapse.

Coun Frank Connor called a meeting with concerned residents, regeneration and housing chief Adam Scott and contractors Capita Highways.

It was agreed that vehicles on Grimshaw Street bridge would be monitored to catch those breaching the weight restriction and issue on the spot fines.

Blackburn with Darwen Council also agreed to improve safety in Pole Lane after concerns were raised that sections of it were not suitable for heavy use.

The white lines at the junction of Pole Lane and Sough Road are set to be repainted, new signs installed and foliage cut back to improve visibility.

Residents say the road has been a growing concern since it began to be used as a short-cut to the motorway but the problems have increased since the road works began.

One Pole Lane resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Cars and lorries have always used this road as a short-cut to the motorway but now the situation is much worse with the road works. I don't think the drivers realise there is a weight restriction and it is too late once they are on Pole Lane to turn back.

"The bridge cannot take much more of this. It will start to crack. It is an accident waiting to happen."

Coun Connor said: "I have had lots of residents approach me on this subject. We need to react to what is a knock-on effect of the town centre works. I will be personally monitoring this situation to make sure the improvements are carried out. Hopefully the situation will improve when the road works are complete."

The £1.4million traffic scheme aims to improve traffic flow from the junction of Bury Street and Duckworth Street through to the Circus. The first phase which saw buses banned from the town centre was completed three weeks late on December 9.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods for the council said: "The contractors, Wrekin, have pledged to complete the highway works by this Thursday.

"They are, however, waiting for materials to complete the northbound bus lane in front of Ethel Austin which they are hopeful of completing before Christmas.

"They will be back on site in January to complete minor works including some electrical connections and any other remedial works identified.

"The highway works at Belgrave Mills are part of an ongoing programme that is due to be completed by the end of January.

"This date has been given to allow the contractors to have the usual two week shut-down over Christmas."