FIRE chiefs are asking for a series of parking bans at junctions in the Infirmary area of Blackburn.

The brigade has asked for the changes to improve access for their engines in the light of recent problems.

Councillors are considering the request which would involve the removal of residents parking on Infirmary Street at its junction with Abraham Street; Pritchard Street and Abraham Street at their junctions with Southworth Street and Marlton Road at its junctions with both Ramsey Road and Malvern Avenue.

Station officer Andy Barnes said: "There are two issues for us, the first is our ability to turn from one street into another without facing problems with parked cars.

"And the second is problems relating to the width of the road between parked cars. We often find ourselves having to fold back wing mirrors to fit through.

"We have had a meeting with the police, the residents and the council and we will wait to see what the result of that is."

Members of Blackburn with Darwen Council's highways and transport committee will consider the proposal at a meeting on Thursday.

If they give the go ahead to the changes, they will be advertised to residents in the area who will be offered the chance to raise objections.

The police will also be offered the chance to give their observations.

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