THE pavements on a main town centre street are to be widened to help shoppers stay a safe distance from each other.

The alterations to Darwen Street in Blackburn from tomorrow will also see some parking bays removed.

The reconfiguration will be done by installing barriers known as 'Melba blocks', posts and railings.

It will separate the people queuing for takeaways and pubs and people walking along the street.

It is also to prevent anti-social parking on Darwen Street which can often create ‘bottle necks’ at junctions

Businesses will have alternative loading bays provided.

Cllr Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: "This new move is all about public safety, and will allow people to move along Darwen Street at a much safer social distance. This is crucially important in our fight against the coronavirus.

"We are speaking to businesses on Darwen Street and working with them to make this change happen. We believe it is a necessary step."