MOTORISTS were today warned of misery into the new Millennium on the "Road to Hell" between Blackburn and Darwen after a blunder by developers.

The nightmare returns when resurfacing work begins just south of Ewood Park a week on Monday. But that is only the start.

Drivers face yet more chaotic delays on the A666 after it was revealed that drainage work linked to the Oakdale estate mean the main road will have to be dug up TWICE more in the new year.

The October roadworks will last for three weeks and will be carried out from the junction of Branch Road for a length of 500 metres south towards the Bear Motel.

Two-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation and motorists have been warned by Blackburn will then have to be dug up twice more next year in roughly the same area after it was discovered that developers had failed to complete drainage work when they were last on the A666.

Earcroft ward Coun Michael Barrett said: "There just seems to be no end and this is very frustrating for everyone.

"We bitterly regret what has gone on and we are anxious there should be some kind of an explanation."

A council highways spokeswoman said: "There is a consortium of developers responsible for connecting the sewers on Cravens Brow.

"None of the developers have accepted responsibility despite the council's efforts. To the best of our understanding it is correct to say additional sewers need to be laid on Cravens Brow, but we don't yet know when the developers intend to do the work. "It is not our understanding that the wrong sewers have been put in, merely the complete required sewerage systems has not yet been finished."

Roadworks have hit the A666 on several occasions in recent years prompting complaints from residents in Lower Darwen, Darwen, motorists and councillors from all parties.

Frustrated drivers held a roadside protest in January to express their anger at months of traffic chaos on the route from Blackburn to Darwen and on to Bolton.

Darwen Labour party members handed out bright orange postcards to drivers stuck in queues during the rush hour on the road.

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