RESIDENTS in Darwen have been told government help may be at hand to ease traffic problems in their area.

The Highways Agency has said it will consider giving financial help for a number of schemes which will provide solutions to a number of problems that have arisen since the M65 extension was opened.

Many householders who live on streets which run from Blackburn Road have complained about inconsiderate parking blocking their views as they attempt to turn on to the main road.

And there have also been several complaints about motorists using the back streets of Blackburn Road as a rat-run to avoid traffic jams.

The Highways Agency has now invited Blackburn with Darwen Council to put forward a plan of action for officers to inspect and decide whether they can provide the funds to cover the costs.

The council wants to see new arrangements at two junctions in the area to aid pedestrians and for motorists to be banned from an unnamed side street which runs between Darwen Vale High School and Blackburn Road.

A programme of traffic-calming measures on back streets running adjacent to Blackburn Road is also likely to be included.

Councillor Simon Danczuk, whose Earcroft ward covers the problem area, said: "I, along with residents in the area, have been complaining for at least the last year to get something done about this and we are pleased to see things coming to fruition."

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