A building ravaged by fire will have to be demolished so road closures will have to remain in place until Monday.

Crews have been working through the night and into Sunday morning (April 7) following the blaze at the Witton Business Park off Preston Old Road, opposite the entrance to the Witton Park Arena.

Emergency teams were called on Saturday night just before 7.30pm. The unit is believed to be a mattress factory, which takes up a unit at the business park.

WATCH: Drone footage shows devastation of fire at Blackburn factory

Preston Old Road was closed to traffic in both directions from Buncer Lane to St Francis’ Road as teams tackled the blaze and attempted to make the area safe. 

The road was still closed this morning. Visitors to the Easter Funfair were being asked to access Witton Park off Buncer Lane and then walk through the park.

People were still finding their way to the funfair, despite the diversions.

Residents can be seen accessing their homes on Preston Old Road as a police cordon is further down.

Lancashire Telegraph: Traffic cannot access Preston Old Road off the side streets

Blackburn with Darwen Council said Witton Park Arena was closed and there is a change of access to the Easter Fair taking place at the park.

The council said: "Due to a loss of power in the area, unfortunately, Witton Park Arena is unable to open today. We will update further as soon as we can.

"The main entrance to Witton Park is also closed.

"If you are visiting Witton Park today or the fair, please plan your route and use the Tower Road entrance or the one off Buncer Lane."

A further update read: "Sadly, due to the extensive damage, the commercial building needs to be demolished.

"To allow for those works to be done safely, Preston Old Road will remain closed until at least tomorrow afternoon."

Routes affected and what to do

Preston Old Road is a main road into and out of Blackburn connecting residents to Pleasington Playing fields, the cemetery, Cherry Tree and an M65 junction.

From Buncer Lane you cannot head on to Pleasington and Cherry Tree. You must travel to Ewood and then on to Livesey Branch Road. You can take a right at St Bede’s School and join back up with Preston Old Road.

Drivers heading into Blackburn from Cherry Tree can access Pleasington. If you want to head any further then you are best taking Green Lane and then Livesey Branch Road which will bring you out at Ewood.

Side streets leading on Preston Old are also closed between Buncer Lane to St Francis’ Road.

Major road in Blackburn still closed following huge fire