A MULTI-MILLION pound bus lane is being put forward as the answer to East Lancashire's congestion problems.

The 24-7 lane, which would run between Darwen and Accrington via Blackburn, has ended plans for a 'light rail' network, which have now been shelved.

The lane would be used by a high-tech fleet of buses which would be given priority at traffic lights.

It will mean the loss of on-street parking for residents and businesses on the route, but bosses insist more off-street spaces will be provided to compensate.

The scheme, which has been put out to consultation, will cost up to £50millon of government money that was set aside as part of the East Lancashire Rapid Transit scheme.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said a tram network and a so-called 'ultra-light' railway, touted as an alternative for small towns, had not been deemed suitable for the area.

He said: "It's not the end for it, and it may come in the distant future.

"But this is a bus-based scheme."

Bosses say the project, called PennineReach, will reduce traffic jams and improve air quality, saving 468 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

The road network will not cope with the anticipated increase in traffic, they claim.

It will run between Darwen and Blackburn on the A666 up to Whitebirk, before passing through Rishton, Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors and into Accrington.

It will return to Blackburn in a loop along the Blackburn Road through Church and Oswaldtwistle.

A similar scheme was put forward in September but was pulled after concerns it would run through people's front gardens.

The new version will not affect gardens but will mean the loss of some on-street parking.

Coun Cottam added: "Bus lanes have the downside of taking parking off the road so we will have to accommodate that.

"Obviously people jealously guard their car parking spaces in front of their houses. But the highway is essentially for moving traffic not static traffic, and we need to reclaim it."

More walking routes could also be added.

After the consultation, which ends in the summer, Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire councils will formally bid for funding.

Exhibitions are being held across Blackburn and Hyndburn to give more detail.

More information is available by calling (01254) 588130 for Blackburn and 0845 0530000 for Hyndburn.