A PROTEST against the £50m Pennine Reach bus lane was narrowly quashed after a tight council vote.

Labour members tabled a motion at a meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council claiming the proposals "failed to demonstrate some key fundamental principles".

Coun Maureen Bateson said it was not clear a funding bid for the scheme, which has already been given the green light by the ruling executive board, would bring value for money to the borough.

She claimed the impact on neighbourhoods had not been fully assessed, although an independent MORI poll for the council has indicated the majority of residents are in favour.

The motion called for an independent working group to re-examine the plans.

After a half-hour debate, veteran Liberal Democrat Paul Browne voted against the council's ruling coalition, claiming the bus lane would have a "horrendous" impact in his Sudell ward.

He said: "I am voting with the opposition on this one. It's how I feel."

For Darwen boss and deputy council leader Tony Melia, who had initially protested against the bus lane, claimed it had been previously approved by Labour when it was in charge.

The motion was defeated by 30 votes to 28.