The next step towards re-instating bus services linking sheltered housing schemes to Blackburn town centre has been taken.

The borough council is to go out to tender for their reintroduction.

It is also seeking operators for a new Blackburn circular bus route although this will be less comprehensive than originally envisaged.

In February Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive board approved the package of services as part of its £3.7 million long-term enhanced Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) for the borough agreed with the government.

As part of the deal with the Department of Transport, the authority was given an extra £1.25m for 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Now the council's growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood has launched the procurement process for the sheltered housing services and circular route for 12 months with the option to extend for up to a further two years should additional funding become available.

In a report to colleagues, he says: "As part of the further service improvements for the BSIP programme new routes were approved by the executive board in February.

"In 2015/16 services linking sheltered accommodation with Blackburn town centre were removed due to funding being restricted for bus services.

"Many complaints have been received from residents living in sheltered accommodation about the lack of a bus service provision into Blackburn where they can use their bus pass as bus passes cannot be used on dial-a-ride services."

He said the reintroduction of some services were approved, linking: 

  • Warrenside Close, Openshaw, Holly Court, Mandela Court and Blackburn Bus Station;
  • Hornby Court, Bridgewater Court, St Phillips Court and Blackburn Bus Station; and
  • Blackburn Bus Station with Spring Bank Court, Albion Mill and Brackendale, Tockholes and Belmont.

Cllr Mahmood added: "The current bus services that service the Blackburn area are all radial services meaning that journeys across the area require passengers to change at Blackburn Bus Station.

"It is approved to reintroduce an orbital service linking into the current network and the retail/business park at Whitebirk, the Hospital, Ewood Park and high schools, St Bede’s, Pleckgate, Witton Park and Tauheedul Girls High School.

"It was estimated in the executive board report that the combined costs of doing this was £550,000.

"However it has now become apparent that the costs of linking sheltered accommodation will be greater than previously expected.

"For the orbital route, the council will therefore be looking at variations for the new orbital route with the final decision being made depending on the costs for reintroducing the services linking the sheltered accommodation.

"Option 1 is a full service including 5A, 5C, 55A, 55C, Monday to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Full Service including 5A, 5C, 55A, 55C, Monday to Friday only. Separate submissions for Saturday and Sunday only.

"Option 2 would only be operating 5A and 5C Monday to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. No inclusion of 55A & 55C. Service 5A, 5C, Monday to Friday only. Separate submission for Saturday and Sunday only."