WORK on a £30 million Cinema and leisure complex is back on track after a wrangle over a railway line which runs through the Blackburn site.

But although an outline solution to the problem has been drawn up, developers have admitted a further delay is likely.

Peel Holdings, the company developing the site behind Bridge Street, said it was well on the way to working out a solution with rail operators about where to move the rogue freight line.

Peel, said it expected the solution to be rubber stamped in April and work on the complex to start in August, four months later than its last estimate.

Planning permission for a 10-screen multiplex cinema, bowling alley, health and fitness club and fast food restaurant on land behind Blackburn railway station was granted last March but work has been delayed because of the wrangle over the track, which is now likely to be moved.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), the Government body which oversees Britain's railway infrastructure, and the company which maintains the track system, Network Rail, were both consulted about the plans.

James Whittaker, development manager at Peel Holdings, said an application to move the line had been originally submitted to the SRA 12 months ago.

He added: "We still have a few issues to resolve but all the parties have agreed in principle to the transaction.

"Rail regulators have a right to object but as we have already done a lot of consultation that should not be a problem."

Two companies have been named as likely tenants for the site. Peel said Dorset-based Bowlplex was set to run a 24-lane bowling and family entertainment centre, while the company which took over the Warner Village cinema chain was also close to signing a contract.

Vue, an arm of SBC International Cinemas, bought the 36 Warner sites and bills itself as a state of the art chain.

Two other companies are expected to sign contracts to run a health and fitness club and a family restaurant later in the month.

More than 200 jobs are expected to be created and Blackburn with Darwen Council said it regarded the development as a significant site.

Coun Andy Kay, the council's executive member for regeneration, said: "The delivery of this important development has been an outstanding aspiration of the council and we welcome the fact that between ourselves and Peel Holdings it is now significantly nearer to commencement."