BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has said work to improve a town centre road will be ready before Christmas.

The work in Darwen Street runs from its junction with Church Street down to the railway bridge traffic light junction.

The council said trees are due to be planted to add to the improvements and new street furniture is being installed.

A new 'gateway feature' is planned for the corner of Darwen Street and Mincing Lane, which is planned for the New Year.

A council spokesman said: "Work is scheduled to be finished before Christmas and every effort is being made to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and access to shops and business are not affected."

Councillor Andy Kay, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "We are all very pleased that this final phase has been possible and that traders in this part of the street will also benefit as others have.

"Not only do the improvements give the whole street an environment which will encourage further investment and development of shopping in the area, as a key gateway into the town, the street will now present a much more welcoming first impression to visitors."