A £74,096 contract to repair the once notorious automatic retractable bollards in Blackburn town centre has been awarded as 'an urgent priority'.

In 2017, traffic management tools at either end of the pedestrianised Church Street broke down several times, during which there were a number of ‘near misses’ and small accidents.

In 2019 they failed to work properly again in May along with another set in Fleming Square, leading to the bollards being replaced in September after concerns for the safety of pedestrians.

Now the retractable devices are back in the public spotlight after Blackburn with Darwen Council's strategic director of growth and development Martin Kelly awarded a new £74,096 contract for their maintenance to ESS Systems Ltd.

He said in a report to councillors: "Repairing the current system is urgently needed to maintain town centre security and a safe environment for pedestrians.

A crash by the bollards in 2017A crash by the bollards in 2017

"The work is expected to take six weeks.

"The automatic bollards within Blackburn town centre require an enhanced repair and maintenance programme to ensure they remain fit for purpose, including the need to manage unauthorised vehicle access during pedestrianised hours.

"An independent access system company have assessed our bollard systems and advised that they are able to maintain and repair, which, in turn, will enable the council to review and address wider town centre highway, parking and security management issues.

"These works will also ensure the council’s bollard system can be maintained by any approved contractor.

"Repairing the current system is urgently needed to maintain town centre security and a safe environment for pedestrians.

"It is anticipated that the works will be completed within six weeks of the contract being awarded.

"The maintenance and repair of the automatic bollards is an urgent priority and will form part of a wider highway, parking and security strategy for the town centre.

"The proposal is to reduce the current risks associated with the bollards needing repair and maintenance.

"Once the system is repaired and a maintenance regime in place the town centre will be safer for all users.

"The cost of this work is expected to be £74,096.

"The option of the council directly undertaking these proposed works is not possible as we do not have the internal expertise to repair and maintain an automatic bollard system.

"Appointing a contractor in this way has given us independent advice and enabled us to repair the bollards, whilst undertaking further work on how to keep the town centre safe and secure longer term."