BUS journey times in Hyndburn could increase if a council scheme to pedestrianise a town centre rat-run goes ahead, it was claimed today.

Buses regularly use Blackburn Road, in front of Accrington Town Hall, to get in and out of the bus station.

The road is officially pedestrianised, with just buses allowed through. But the street has become a rat-run for motorists, prompting the council leader to last week call for all traffic to be stopped.

But bosses at Lancashire United and Burnley and Pendle Travel have revealed such a move would add time to journeys, and are to speak to the council about the suggestion.

Graham Marsh, spokesman for the firms, said: "If our buses cannot use Blackburn Road then a diversion would certainly add maybe two, three or four minutes to journey times.

"Secondly we are not aware that this is yet Hyndburn Borough Council official policy, and thirdly we do meet Hyndburn Borough Council officers and Lancashire County Council officers in transport meetings. This latest proposal hasn't yet been raised in these meetings.

"Fourthly, we will be taking steps to establish with the local authority exactly what they propose."

Bus companies including Accrington Transport and Burnley-based Northern Blue also operate routes in and out of Accrington.

Northern Blue today refused to comment.

But Councillor Peter Britcliffe, Hyndburn council leader, admitted journey times could increase, but said it was preferable to someone being injured by a speeding driver.

He said: "I understand some of the main opponents of this are the bus operators. But my view still is that that this is an area where it is a danger to the public.

"I would rather add a minute to a bus journey than somebody lose their life. We need a safe solution, and if that means buses having to re-route, then so be it."