TRANSPORT projects across East Lancashire will benefit from a multi-million pound Government grant.

A park and ride scheme with an 800 space car park at the Capital centre, Walton-le-Dale is one of the main schemes to benefit from the £14million allocated to Lancashire under the Local Transport Plan Settlement for 2000/2001.

Lancashire County Council is to get£11.5million - 20 per cent more than in 1999/2000.

And Blackburn with Darwen Council has been done even better, winning £2.7million - 70 per cent more than its last settlement.

Projects such as the quality bus project between Blackburn and Accrington will be paid for out of the money.

Work on the scheme has already begun and will involve bus priority lanes being created on roads between the two towns, traffic lights giving buses priority, bus stops with raised platforms, modern vehicles and up to date information systems.

Local road safety schemes throughout the county will also be paid for as well as projects to promote cycling and walking.

Coun Andy Kay, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration committee, said: "This is marvellous news for the borough which recognises the major transport and highways problems this borough faces and the efficient way we approach these problems.

"£1million will be invested in essential bridge maintenance works across the borough. Another £1million will go towards resurfacing major roads in the borough and the remainder will be invested in accident reduction schemes and promoting sustainable transport methods.

"This does mean that for bus and car travellers there will be delays where improvement works are carried out, but the long term benefits will be better future for those road and transport users in the borough."

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