A BID for cash to help bust town centre traffic jams has been scrapped after the Government demanded promises that congestion charging would come to Blackburn.

Blackburn with Darwen Council was invited to bid for a share of £18million to help draw up 'innovative' proposals to beat town centre congestion.

The Department for Transport wanted local councils to devise new ways of beating congestion, through things like better public transport services and improving traffic signals.

Up to £200million would be available to help turn the projects into reality.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council today revealed it had decided to pull out of the running for the cash after being told the Government expected all schemes to include an element of "demand management" -- their phrase for congestion charging.

Manchester, Newcastle and parts of the West Midlands have now secured cash to put forward ideas for tackling congestion.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Once we were told congestion charging had to be an element, we decided not to bid for any money. We are looking at other schemes to bid for.

"Congestion charging is not something we are looking at, and certainly it won't be part of our plans for the next few years. You can never say never, but I doubt it will seen as a solution for our congestion issues for a long time yet." However, the council has secured £9million to build a bridge over railway tracks at Freckleton Street, Blackburn, which will bring completion of the orbital route a step closer.

The bridge will enable traffic to travel along Freckleton Street in both directions for the first time in four years.

The bridge was declared weak by inspectors in 2000 and only strong enough to carry vehicles in one direction.

Until now, traffic from the Preston Old Road side of town has been directed through the town centre, or round the orbital route. Coun Kay added: "That will make a significant difference and we do have other plans in the pipeline."