INTRODUCING free parking to parts of Blackburn town centre could increase congestion, according to the town's former regeneration chief.

Coun Andy Kay said the new ruling coalition's plan to introduce half-hour free parking in areas like Church Street and Darwen Street might increase traffic.

But Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said the plan was still being investigated and it would probably only apply during off-peak hours. He also revealed that longer periods of free parking were also under consideration but did not say how long.

Currently on-street parking is 50p for half and hour and 90p for the maximum stay of an hour.

But it is hoped that meters could be re-programmed to issue free tickets, and stays are to be extended to two hours.

Coun Kay said: "I worry that we may see increased volume.

"From a business point of view it's how long they can keep them in the town and how much they can persuade them to spend.

"There will be added congestion, with more people using free short-term parking.

"It's not the people who nip in to the bank for 10 minutes that bring in extra money."

Coun Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "Parking within the town centre has always been key to economic prosperity of the centre.

"Customers must be able to access it quickly and effectively.

"Currently, should a member of the public need to access a bank or building society to take out mone, they will probably spend in the town then they have to pay a fee.

"The proposition is to look into allowing an amount of free time and not necessarily just half an hour. It may be increased in some places."

He said there would be a lot of disruption in coming months and years with the re-development of the shopping centre, and he hoped free parking could help "sweeten the pill".

He added: "Car owners have to be sent the message that they are welcome in Blackburn.

"One of the issues that we that we are considering is that it will be off-peak so it will not affect congestion in the town centre."