Traffic flow in the town centre has been an issue which has bothered town planners, traders, shoppers and visitors for decades.

The controversial decision to shut Church Street to through-traffic in 2001 prompted anger, especially because it coincided with work on virtually every main route into the town centre as they were adapted to accommodate the newly-created Orbital Route.

The final link -- from Barbara Castle Way to Montague Street -- is due to be completed in August.

Some traders now believe that Church Street's closure has made a positive difference, improving footfall through the town centre. But the new route, which takes in Blackburn Boulevard and the public transport interchange, has led to complaints that bus and rail stations are no longer safe for pedestrians.

Coun Andy Kay said: "Traffic flow seems to be one of the big priorities for people we consulted. I think we will see a big difference when the final link of the orbital route is completed. That will mean that a lot of traffic which currently cuts through the town centre will not go through it any more. That will be the time when we look at issues such as Railway Road and the Boulevard."

Other areas which will be looked at are Sudell Cross, which is targeted for regeneration, Ainsworth Street -- which is used by buses but is so busy that it is believed to effectively cut the market off from the town centre -- and the Salford area, where an alternative to the subway is being considered.

Again, any big development there would depend on the success of the council in attracting extra cash.

Michael Morton, managing director of Blackburn Transport, said: "We work with the council on their proposals and things are getting better in the town centre overall."

Opinions on whether the existing road projects in the town centre have been effective remain divided among traders. Phil Ainsworth, a jeweller on Darwen Street, and head of Darwen Street Traders Association, said: "Church Street has made a big difference. It has improved the look of the town centre and the work on Darwen Street has removed a lot of the through-traffic which is a good thing."

But Fleming Square hairdresser Jeff Stone commented: "It has scared everyone away, no-one can find their way around any more."