TRAFFIC chaos along Darwen's main road has been stopped -- thanks to a 100-metre stretch of yellow line, forcing workers to park elsewhere.

Problems began last year when more than 500 new jobs were created when Capita formed contracts with the Criminal Records Bureau and TV Licensing in India Mill, opening the floodgates to hundreds of workers' cars.

After consultations between the police and Blackburn with Darwen Council, a single yellow line was painted on the road in February.

One month into the new system, shop workers are optimistic about results.

David Bentley, owner of Tower Glass, Bolton Road, said: "It's made a big difference already and it's made it a lot safer for us. It's had a real impact on the congestion and the road doesn't get as blocked as it used to."

Jackie Chadwick, Britannia Inn licensee in Bolton Road, said: "It seems to be working. We had a lot of people parking up the side streets, blocking them and I hope that this doesn't get any worse." Martin Cooney, of Belgrave Antiques Centre, said: "It will stop people from parking but it's not very good for us. We have a lot of trade with wagons picking up heavy goods, where are they supposed to park now?"

Sgt Stuart Isherwood, of the road policing unit, explained: "We wanted to put parking restrictions in place to protect areas where parking wasn't safe.

"Everything's quiet so far and we've had no complaints. The parked cars were a real problem for the shop workers and I hope what we have done helps the problem." Councillor Dave Smith, Sunnyhurst ward, said: "It will make sure that the main roads are clear at the busiest times."

Tina Nolan, communications manager for TV Licensing at India Mill, commented: "In the initial stages it is looking very positive and it looks like the area could be clearing up.."

John Friar, owner of Brookhouse Holdings plc, which owns the mill, declined to comment.

Andy Kay, council executive member for regeneration said: "Whilst welcoming the major influx of jobs into Darwen we recognise the concerns of businesses and residents in the area adjacent to India Mill.

"In light of this we have put in a combination of limited waiting and waiting restrictions to allow customers to local businesses and residents to park in the area, where appropriate.

"We are monitoring the area to see where the cars that used to park on the main road have moved to, and will treat any problems that arise."