COUNCILLORS in Blackburn and Darwen have tonight given the go ahead to a controversial £50million bus lane.

Protesters came to Darwen Library Theatre, where the executive board was meeting for the night, hoping the Pennine Reach plans would be thrown out at the last minute.

But after a debate that was heated at times, the board agreed to approve a funding bid to the government for the bus lane, linking Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington.

For the full go-ahead, Lancashire County Council needs to give the green light to the plans at a meeting next month.

At the start of the meeting, ex-Labour councillor Dave Smith said: "How will a one-way bus lane from Darwen to Blackburn help the economy and businesses in Darwen?"

And Lib Dem Paul Browne claimed the bus lane was being "imposed on Darwen" despite a vocal protest campaign.

But Conservative executive member for regeneration and the environment Alan Cottam pointed to the findings of an opinion poll that came out in favour, and hit back at criticism of the consultation period.

He claimed the bus lane, which would only be used at certain times in the day, would reduce congestion, adding: "If you are trekking through the Amazon it's much easier to use the river.

"We are introducing the river."