COUNCILLORS today urged the public to try and put up with the roadworks engulfing Blackburn.

And they urged people fed up with the rows of cones and long queues to look to Bolton, Manchester and Salford to see the benefits the new road scheme would bring.

Several prominent councillors rallied round Coun Ashley Whalley, executive member for regeneration, as he was bombarded with criticism from opposition members at a meeting of the Blackburn with Darwen council forum.

Traders have claimed the roadworks are killing off business because shoppers aren't coming into the town centre, while fire crews have expressed concern at delays because of extra congestion.

Several phases of the new orbital route, aimed at keeping through traffic out of the town centre, are being developed, including the new Towns Moor one way system, alterations to the Montague Street/King Street junction and the Freckleton Street/Byrom Street phase of the new ring road.

And work on the Church Street pedestrianisation scheme has closed off the street.

The situation has prompted the AA to claim the council has tried to do too much at once.

Conservative councillor Fred Slater said the fact so many roadworks were taking place at one time was the 'biggest hash up of all time' while Lib Dem leader Paul Browne said the scheme was 'an environmentally-damaging joke.'

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for social services, replied: "You only have to look to Bolton to see what good the new scheme in Church Street will do.

"When they pedestrianised part of Bolton everybody was up in arms.Yes, there was disruption, but it was worth it.

"People aren't deserting us. The car parks are completely full at weekends and the shopping centre is busy but we need to make these improvements."

Coun David Hollings added: "These are the largest sets of improvements for more than 20 years and the benefits will be there for everyone to see.

"But it would be worse if the council did nothing. If we are to be able to compete with rival areas and become the sub regional capital, it needs to be done."

Coun Dave Harling added: "Look at the upheaval Manchester and Salford went through for the Metro. That caused major disruption but the people there have really benefited. People shouldn't be so negative. Yes, there will be problems for the time being, but in the future it will make things so much better." Coun Whalley said: "I think closing Church Street is one of the best things we ever did and I stand by that."