PLANS to install new traffic lights at the junction of Birch Hall Avenue and Blackburn Road could be scrapped, council bosses have confirmed.

The proposed lights are part of an ambitious £40million transport improvement project across East Lancashire and were intended to work in tandem with recently installed lights at Hollins Grove.

MORE TOP STORIES:

But after thousands of complaints over traffic chaos, Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses said they were considering scrapping the proposed new lights.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration, said: “After reviewing the situation within Darwen we are now considering all options in relation to the planned traffic management system at Birch Hall.

“As with any development or improvement works, plans can often change to meet different challenges and changes to circumstances.

“After recent delays at Hollins Grove, the Pennine Reach project team is reviewing the proposals to ensure that the delivered scheme meets its stated objectives and that the maximum benefits are shared between the widest range of highways users.

“No final decisions have been made. Discussions and consultations are ongoing with Pennine Reach project officers and Earcroft Ward Councillors.”

In a bid to stop the traffic chaos at Hollins Grove, the council recently installed CCTV cameras which are monitored from Capita’s offices in Blackburn and can be changed remotely if traffic builds up.

But Sudell councillor Paul Browne, who lives in nearby Greenway Street, said there were still big problems.

He said: “If you get up early it is still bad.

“Yesterday morning at 7.30am I went to get the papers and it was backed up as far as Lidl.

“It has not improved at all and I am disgusted with the council.

“I was promised that this something would be done with these lights but it has not, and if it has it simply hasn’t worked.”

Will Straw, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Darwen, said: “It is excellent news to hear that the council is putting the addition of new lights at Birch Hall on hold.

“This latest sign that the council is responding to public concern is to be welcomed but we must remain alert to further problems with the traffic situation along the A666.”